The labor into which a heart has poured its whole love--where will it have its say, to excite and inspire, and when?
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the profound impact of love and passion in creative work.
Yasunari Kawabata reflects on the idea that when a person invests their entire heart and love into their labor, that work resonates deeply, having the power to evoke emotions and inspire others. It suggests that such heartfelt contributions have inherent value and significance, ultimately seeking a place in the world where they can be acknowledged and appreciated.
In practice
Using this quote in an art workshop to inspire creativity among participants.
The woman was silent, her eyes on the floor. Shimamura had come to a point where he knew he was only parading his masculine shamelessness, and yet it seemed likely enough that the woman was familiar with the failing and need not be shocked by it. He looked at her. Perhaps it was the rich lashes of the downcast eyes that made her face seem warm and sensuous. She shook her head very slightly, and again a faint blush spread over her face.
The road was frozen. The village lay quiet under the cold sky. Komako hitched up the skirt of her kimono and tucked it into her obi. The moon shone like a blade frozen in blue ice.
The winter moon becomes a companion, the heart of the priest, sunk in meditation upon religion and philosophy, there in the mountain hall, is engaged in a delicate interplay and exchange with the moon; and it is this of which the poet sings.
Put your soul in the palm of my hand for me to look at, like a crystal jewel. I'll sketch it in words.
Lunatics have no age. If we were crazy, you and I, we might be a great deal younger.
But, drawn to her at that moment, he felt a quiet like the voice of the rain flow over him. He knew well enough that for her it was in fact no waste of effort, but somehow the final determination that it was had the effect of distilling and purifying the woman's existence.
I want to allow others to reveal and celebrate aspects of themselves that are usually hidden. My camera is a witness. It holds a light up for my subjects to help them feel their own essence, and gives them the courage to collaborate in the recording of these revelations.
As far as I'm concerned, the entire reason for becoming a writer is not having to get up in the morning.
It is art that makes life, makes interest, makes importance, for our consideration and application of these things, and I know of no substitute whatever for the force and beauty of its process.
People are fond of using military terms to describe what they do. We call it bombing when we go out painting, when of course it's more like entertaining the troops in a neutral zone, during peacetime in a country without an army.
I have a real interest in pushing some of the limits of things that studios don't want to make.
The artist produces for the liberation of his soul.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.