The ear disapproves but tolerates certain musical pieces; transfer them into the domain of our nose, and we will be forced to flee.
Jean CocteauRead
Asking an artist to talk about his work is like asking a plant to discuss horticulture.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Artists often express their work in ways that are beyond verbal explanation, similar to how a plant cannot articulate its own growth and care.
This quote highlights the intrinsic challenge of articulating the creative process and emotional landscape of art. Just as a plant is rooted in its nature and does not possess the capacity or need to discuss horticulture, artists convey their experiences and emotions through their art rather than in words, making verbal explanations sometimes insufficient or even inappropriate.
Themes
ArtistArtCreativityExpressionCommunication
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker discussing the role of art in emotional expression during a conference.
More from Jean Cocteau
All quotes βOne must be a living man and a posthumous artist.
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All good music resembles something. Good music stirs by its mysterious resemblance to the objects and feelings which motivated it.
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Nothing ever gets anywhere. The earth keeps turning round and gets nowhere. The moment is the only thing that counts.
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Listen carefully to first criticisms made of your work. Note just what it is about your work that critics don't like - then cultivate it. That's the only part of your work that's individual and worth keeping.
Jean CocteauRead
Watch yourself all your life in a mirror and you'll see Death at work like bees in a glass hive.
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