Artists are the antennae of the race.
Ezra PoundRead
Technique does not constitute art. Nor is it a vague, fuzzy romantic quality known as ‘beauty,’ remote from the realities of everyday life. It is the depth and intensity of an artist’s experience that are the first importance in art.
Interpretation
Art is defined by the depth of experience, not merely by technical skill or superficial beauty.
In this quote, Grant Wood emphasizes that the essence of art extends beyond technical ability or an abstract notion of beauty. Instead, it lies in the authentic experiences and emotions that artists convey through their work, suggesting that true artistry is grounded in the intensity and depth of the creator's personal journey and insights.
In practice
During an art class, the instructor quoted Grant Wood to illustrate the importance of personal experience in creating impactful art.
Artists are the antennae of the race.
I saw a segment of Douglas Trumbull's special effects for 'Blade Runner' on the KNBC-TV news. I recognized it immediately. It was my own interior world. They caught it perfectly.
The moment of creative impulse is what an artist gives you. You look at a Pollock, and it can't give you the tools to do a painting like that yourself, but in doing the work, Pollock shares with you the moment of creative impulse that drove him to do that work.
I have always kept one end in view, namely ... to conduct a well-regulated church music to the honour of God.
An architect is given a program, budget, place, and schedule. Sometimes the end product rises to art - or at least people call it that.
The moment a man sets his thoughts down on paper, however secretly, he is in a sense writing for publication.
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