Very quickly a painting is turned into a facsimile of itself when one becomes so familiar with with it that one recognizes it without looking at it.
Robert RauschenbergRead
I usually work in a direction until I know how to do it, then I stop. At the time that I am bored or understand - I use those words interchangeably - another appetite has formed. A lot of people try to think up ideas. I'm not one. I'd rather accept the irresistible possibilities of what I can't ignore.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of pursuing passion and creativity until it naturally evolves into something new.
Robert Rauschenberg highlights his creative process, indicating that he immerses himself in his work until he reaches a point of either boredom or understanding, at which point he allows his curiosity to lead him to new ideas. Instead of forcing creativity or trying to think up concepts, he prefers to embrace the opportunities that present themselves when he is truly engaged and inspired by his work.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about artistic inspiration during a gallery talk.
Very quickly a painting is turned into a facsimile of itself when one becomes so familiar with with it that one recognizes it without looking at it.
I never allowed myself the luxury of those brilliant, beautiful colors until I went to India and saw people walking around in them or dragging them in the mud. I realised they were not so artificial.
I'm not so facile that I can accomplish or find out what I want to know or explore enough of the possibilities and a way of making a painting, say, in just one painting or two paintings.
My art is about paying attention - about the extremely dangerous possibility that you might be art.
The artist's job is to be a witness to his time in history.
There was a whole language that I could never make function for myself in relationship to painting, and that was attitudes like tortured, struggle, pain.
Composing is improvisation slowed down.
The Difference Between Art and Life is that Art is More Bearable
There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium, and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.
I'm sad to see celluloid go, there's no doubt. But, you know, nitrate went, by the way, in 1971. If you ever saw a nitrate print of a silent film and then saw an acetate print, you'd see a big difference, but nobody remembers anymore. The acetate print is what we have. Maybe. Now it's digital.
That's the reason why I'm making albums. That's the reason why I love hip-hop: It's a challenge every time.
Individuality realized is the supreme attainment of the human soul, the master-master's work of art. Individuality is sacred.
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