Paint the flying spirit of the bird rather than its feathers.
Robert HenriRead
Art when really understood is the province of every human being. It is simply a question of doing things, anything, well. It is not an outside, extra thing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Art is intrinsic to humanity, requiring only effort and commitment to excel.
This quote by Robert Henri emphasizes that art is a fundamental aspect of being human and accessible to everyone. He suggests that anyone can engage in artistic expression as long as they strive to do their work with care and dedication, implying that the ability to create art is not reserved for a select few but is a universal capacity.
Themes
ArtHumanityExpressionCreativityDedication
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about self-expression and creativity.
More from Robert Henri
All quotes βKnow what the old masters did. Know how they composed their pictures, but do not fall into the conventions they established. These conventions were right for them, and they are wonderful. They made their language. You make yours. All the past can help you.
Robert HenriRead
The sketch hunter moves through life as he finds it, not passing negligently the things he loves, but stopping to know them, and to note them down in the shorthand of his sketchbook.
Robert HenriRead
You form a society: that limits you. Adopt a name, and you've limited yourself again; draw up a constitution and bylaws and you've made a groove, a rut, that hampers your growth. You think you can fix your course and move straight along it. But sometimes the important thing is to strike out sidewise.
Robert HenriRead
After all, the goal is not making art. It is living a life. Those who live their lives will leave the stuff that is really art.
Robert HenriRead
Do not let the fact that things are not made for you, that conditions are not as they should be stop you. Go on anyway. Everything depends on those who go on anyway.
Robert HenriRead
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How much has to be explored and discarded before reaching the naked flesh of feeling.
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Whatever I do with music, I try to make it align deeply with the values and principles of who I am and what I believe the purpose of my life is.
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