I just kind of conjured them up out of my subconscious and put them in order of ascending peculiarity.
Edward GoreyRead
If something doesn't creep into a drawing that you're not prepared for, you might as well not have drawn it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Embrace the unexpected in creativity; it's essential for true expression.
Edward Gorey's quote emphasizes the importance of spontaneity and unpredictability in the artistic process. He suggests that if a drawing lacks surprises or elements that challenge the artist, then the act of drawing may not hold much value. True art often involves unexpected twists, which can lead to deeper insights and expressions of the artist's emotions.
Themes
ArtCreativityUnexpectedExpressionDrawing
In practice
Example use cases
An artist sharing this quote during a workshop to encourage students to experiment with their styles.
More from Edward Gorey
All quotes →This is the theory… that anything that is art… is presumably about some certain thing, but is really always about something else, and it’s no good having one without the other, because if you just have the something it is boring and if you just have the something else it’s irritating.
Edward GoreyRead
I am a person before I am anything else. I never say I am a writer. I never say I am an artist...I am a person who does those things.
Edward GoreyRead
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