We feel the same emotions for our ideas as we do for the real world, which is why we can cry while reading a book, or fall in love with movie stars.
Roger EbertRead
The frightening thought that what you draw may become a building makes for reasoned lines.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses the tension between creativity and the permanence of artistic creations.
Saul Steinberg highlights the responsibility and seriousness that come with the act of creating art, suggesting that artists often find themselves contemplating the impact of their work as if it were to become a physical reality. This awareness can lead to more intentional and thoughtful choices in their artistic expression, pushing them to refine their lines and ideas in a more reasoned manner.
Themes
ArtCreativityResponsibilityExpressionDesign
In practice
Example use cases
In an art class, to inspire students to think carefully about their projects.
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