I never regret things. It's a really dangerous thing to say, but for anyone involved in the arts, the bad things that happen make for good material. It's not a comfortable truth, but it is true.
Interpretation
Regretting experiences can hinder creativity, and even negative experiences can inspire artistic work.
In this quote, Antony Sher highlights the idea that for artists, every experience, including negative or challenging ones, contributes to their creative process. He acknowledges that while it may be uncomfortable to accept, the struggles and hardships can often lead to profound and meaningful artistic expression, ultimately emphasizing the importance of embracing all of life’s moments as valuable material for art.
In practice
In a speech about the role of experiences in art, one could include this quote to illustrate how challenges shape creativity.
One of the obsessions that the Soviet Union and the Eastern European communist parties had was always controlling the message - all information that everybody gets has to be carefully controlled and monitored. Art was no exception.
I learn poetry, learn text, and that really keeps you alive.
It is not enough to photograph the obviously picturesque.
I'm not the expert on the great gameplay. I come in for the character design, monsters, atmosphere. I'm not the technician.
"The work of art must seize upon you...carry you away."
For some of us, good books and beautiful writing are our ultimate solace, even more comforting than exquisite food.
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