Whatever happens in my life, whether I stand up or I fall down, whatever the case, I'm going to use it in my art. Why? Because I'm an artist and I have to.
Interpretation
An artist finds value in all experiences, using them as inspiration for their work.
In this quote, Jill Scott emphasizes the importance of embracing both successes and failures in life as integral parts of the artistic process. She suggests that every event, whether uplifting or challenging, contributes to her growth and creativity as an artist, reinforcing the idea that genuine expression comes from lived experiences.
In practice
During a speech at an art gallery opening.
I truly have a village supporting me. My son has godmothers, godfathers, grandparents and so many others in his life who love him as much as I do. They're there for both of us. I may not have a mate or husband, but I'm definitely not a single parent.
At my aunt's funeral, I promised myself that I wouldn't be bound by the belief that I'm supposed to stay in anything - whether it's a relationship, a job, a house, or a circumstance - if it makes me miserable. She gave me the courage to find my own happiness.
I'm going to keep it real gully with you; the first two months, I wanted to give him back. I expected someone to come and save me because after you have the baby, nobody cares about you anymore. Nobody cares if you sleep, nobody cares if you eat. It's just you and this all-consuming thingy!
The artists who stand out to me have a passion for what they do. There are a lot of people who can sing. It's just like when you go to church and people are singing because it sounds good, not because it feels good. There's a difference.
Somebody said they threw their copy of Dungeons and Dragons into the fire, and it screamed. It's a game! The magic spells in it are as real as the gold. Try retiring on that stuff.
There's not the smallest orb which thou behold'st But in his motion like an angel sings.
Fundamentally, I think of myself as a storyteller, not a writer.
If you have the opportunity for your art to meet activism, you shouldn't pass that up when it comes your way.
You can cage the singer but not the song.
Some of us are born with a weakness for music. As a baby, music would stop whatever thought I was having. If I was worried, it would stop me worrying; if I was crying, it would stop me crying. Music was a healing thing for me.
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