A man climbs a mountain because it is there. An artist makes a work of art because it is not there.
Carl AndreRead
My art springs from my desire to have things in the world which would otherwise never be there.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the artist's drive to create and introduce new elements to the world through their art.
In this quote, Carl Andre expresses the intrinsic motivation behind his artistic creation. He implies that art arises from a deep-seated desire to manifest new ideas, forms, and experiences that do not exist in the world without the artist's vision and effort. It emphasizes the role of artists as creators who enhance reality by adding beauty and thought-provoking elements, ultimately serving to inspire and connect people through new expressions.
Themes
ArtCreationDesireInnovationExpression
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on the importance of creativity at a school graduation.
More from Carl Andre
All quotes βMy art will reflect not necessarily conscious politics but the unanalysed politics of my life.
Carl AndreRead
Every time you work, you have to do it all over again, to rid yourself of this dross. I suppose for a person who is not an artist or not attempting art, it is not dross, because it is the common exchange of everyday life.
Carl AndreRead
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In Bach, the vital cells of music are united as the world is in God.
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It is a peculiar part of the good photographer's adventure to know where luck is most likely to lie in the stream, to hook it, and to bring it in without unfair play and without too much subduing it.
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