"A painter's tastes must grow out of what so obsesses him in life that he never has to ask himself what it is suitable for him to do in art"
- Lucian Freud
About this Quote
Lucian Freud, the popular British painter understood for his extreme and deeply mental pictures, makes a compelling declaration in this quote about the intrinsic connection between an artist's life and their work. At its core, the quote suggests that a painter's creative direction should develop naturally from their personal fascinations and experiences, rather than being a forced or computed choice.
To "grow out of what so obsesses him in life" indicates that the impetus for creating art should be deeply personal and originated from the artist's core interests, enthusiasms, and fixations. These obsessions act as a wellspring of motivation, offering endless product and motivation for the artist. It's not merely about subject matter, however about the emotional and mental styles that resonate with the artist on a profound level. For Freud, who typically concentrated on the body and psyche, his work showed his fascination with the physical type and psychological depth of his subjects.
When Freud specifies that the artist "never ever has to ask himself what it appropriates for him to do in art," he emphasizes a natural positioning in between the artist's internal world and their creative expression. This suggests a type of artistic credibility, where the act of production is not determined by patterns, external recognition, or concerns of appropriateness, however is instead a seamless, nearly instinctive, extension of the artist's inner life.
In a more comprehensive sense, this quote can be interpreted as a call to all artists to seek out and welcome their genuine passions and obsessions. It encourages artists to trust in the inherent worth of these personal fascinations as directing principles in their creative journey. By permitting these core interests to notify their work, artists can accomplish a more truthful and impactful connection with both their art and their audience. This point of view champions uniqueness, credibility, and a profound combination of life and art, advocating for a natural and deeply personal artistic procedure.
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