"I often find that having an idea in my head prevents me from doing something else. Working is therefore a way of getting rid of an idea"

In this quote, artist Jasper Johns assesses the relationship between concepts and action. He suggests that having a strong concept in one's mind can actually hinder them from pursuing other jobs or jobs. This might be due to the intense focus and energy that a concept needs, leaving little space for anything else. However, Johns also sees work as a way of releasing oneself from the grip of a concept. By engaging in efficient activities, one can release themselves from the restrictions of their thoughts and permit new ideas to emerge. For Johns, work is not simply a way to an end, but a way to clear the mind and open oneself as much as brand-new possibilities.