All art really does is keep you focused on questions of humanity, and it really is about how do we get on with our maker.
David BowieRead
All my big mistakes are when I try to second-guess or please an audience. My work is always stronger when I get very selfish about it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True artistic expression emerges when one prioritizes personal vision over external approval.
This quote by David Bowie emphasizes the importance of authenticity in the creative process. Rather than seeking to please an audience or conform to their expectations, true strength and creativity come from being self-directed and prioritizing one's own vision and desires in artistic work.
Themes
CreativityAuthenticitySelf-ExpressionArtIndividuality
In practice
Example use cases
During an artist talk, I might share Bowie's perspective to inspire aspiring artists to stay true to their vision.
More from David Bowie
All quotes βI guess, taking away all the theatrics or the costuming and the outer layers of what I do, I'm a writer... I write.
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I always had a repulsive need to be something more than human.
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But I've got to think of myself as the luckiest guy. Robert Johnson only had one album's worth of work as his legacy. That's all that life allowed him.
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I'm an early riser. I get up between five and six, have coffee, and read for a couple of hours before everyone else gets up.
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