I wanted to deal with light directly rather than with paint.
James TurrellRead
In many cases, if we knew what it would take, we might have thought twice about it, so it's often wonderful that we don't have hindsight.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that not knowing the challenges ahead can be beneficial, as it allows us to pursue ambitions without hesitation.
James Turrell reflects on the nature of decision-making and the value of ignorance regarding future obstacles. He implies that the lack of foresight can actually serve as a liberating force, enabling us to take chances and explore opportunities that we might otherwise hesitate to pursue if we foresaw the difficulties involved. This perspective encourages embracing uncertainty, as it often leads to wonderful experiences that we wouldn't have undertaken if we had complete awareness of what was to come.
Themes
HindsightDecision MakingIgnoranceOpportunityChallenges
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about pursuing dreams despite uncertainty.
More from James Turrell
All quotes →It is only when light is reduced that the pupil opens and feeling goes out of the eyes like touch.
James TurrellRead
I feel that I want to use light as this wonderful and magic elixir that we drink as Vitamin D through the skin - and I mean, we are literally light-eaters - to then affect the way that we see.
James TurrellRead
There are different stages when you fly. The first stage is the dollhouse effect, seeing everything on Earth like it's a model. Suddenly, all of your concerns seem very small.
James TurrellRead
Space has a way of looking. It seems like it has a presence of vision. When you come into it, it is there, it’s been waiting for you.
James TurrellRead
I'm known as a light artist. But rather than be someone who depicted light, or painted light in some way, I wanted to have the work be light.
James TurrellRead
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