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We think we receive all that we perceive, but in fact, we actually give the sky its colour.
James Turrell
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Our perception shapes our experience of reality, suggesting that we contribute to its nature.

James Turrell's quote implies that our understanding and perception of the world are not merely passive receptions of sensory information, but active contributions that shape our experience. By stating that we 'give the sky its colour,' Turrell emphasizes the subjective nature of reality, suggesting that our minds and expectations influence what we see and how we interpret the world around us.

Themes

PerceptionRealityExperienceShapingMindSubjectivity

In practice

Example use cases

In a public speech about the importance of perspective in art and science.

More from James Turrell

I wanted to deal with light directly rather than with paint.
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I feel that I want to use light as this wonderful and magic elixir that we drink as Vitamin D through the skin - and I mean, we are literally light-eaters - to then affect the way that we see.
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In many cases, if we knew what it would take, we might have thought twice about it, so it's often wonderful that we don't have hindsight.
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There are different stages when you fly. The first stage is the dollhouse effect, seeing everything on Earth like it's a model. Suddenly, all of your concerns seem very small.
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Space has a way of looking. It seems like it has a presence of vision. When you come into it, it is there, it’s been waiting for you.
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