"An artist must possess Nature. He must identify himself with her rhythm, by efforts that will prepare the mastery which will later enable him to express himself in his own language"

This quote by Henri Matisse talks to the value of an artist's relationship with nature. He suggests that an artist must become one with nature, comprehending its rhythms and patterns, in order to be able to reveal themselves in their own language. This proficiency of nature is something that should be achieved through effort and devotion. Matisse is recommending that an artist needs to want to put in the work to understand nature, and then use that understanding to produce their own unique art. This quote speaks with the importance of an artist's relationship with nature, and how it can be utilized to produce something truly distinct and unique. It is a reminder that an artist must be willing to put in the effort to understand nature, and after that utilize that understanding to create something really special.