Poetry is the art of creating imaginary gardens with real toads.
Marianne MooreRead
If technique is of no interest to a writer, I doubt that the writer is an artist.
Interpretation
A writer must value technique to truly be considered an artist.
This quote suggests that technique is a fundamental aspect of an artist's craft; if a writer disregards the importance of technique, it raises questions about their commitment to the artistry of writing. Moore implies that a true artist understands that mastery of their craft is essential to create meaningful and impactful work.
In practice
In a workshop on creative writing, a teacher might use this quote to emphasize the importance of mastering writing techniques.
Poetry is the art of creating imaginary gardens with real toads.
Not till the poets among us can be "literalists of the imagination"-above insolence and triviality and can present for inspection, "imaginary gardens with real toads in them." shall we have it.
In a poem the excitement has to maintain itself. I am governed by the pull of the sentence as the pull of a fabric is governed by gravity.
Originality is... a by-product of sincerity.
It is quite cruel that a poet cannot wander through his regions of enchantment without having a critic, forever, like the old man of the sea, upon his back.
I see no reason for calling my work poetry except that there is no other category in which to put it.
A writer, or any artist, canβt expect to be embraced by the people [but] you just keep doing your work - because you have to, because itβs your calling.
Free verse is like free love; it is a contradiction in terms.
Music is always a commentary on society.
Writing is not about making a buck, not about publishers and agents. Writing is not about feeling good. Writing is about pain, suffering, hard work, risk, and fear.
[When accepting the American Film Institute Life Achievement award] I beg permission to mention by name only four people who have given me the most affection, appreciation, and encouragement, and constant collaboration. The first of the four is a film editor, the second is a scriptwriter, the third is the mother of my daughter Pat (Patricia Hitchcock), and the fourth is as fine a cook as ever performed miracles in a domestic kitchen. And their names are Alma Reville.
You have kids studying master class visual arts who are pushed to make films that will be successful economically; that's what they focus on. So they work for corporate interest instead of artistic expression.
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