"Art resides in the quality of doing, process is not magic"
About this Quote
Charles Eames’s assertion, “Art resides in the quality of doing, process is not magic,” offers a profound commentary on creativity and craftsmanship. The phrase directs attention to the tangible, deliberate actions involved in creating art rather than elevating the process to a mystical status. Eames suggests that the measure of art is located in the care, intention, and skill infused into the act of making itself, the “quality of doing.” Rather than attributing artistic excellence to elusive inspiration or magical thinking, he foregrounds the importance of rigorous effort, conscious decision-making, and respect for the tools and materials at hand.
By anchoring art in “the quality of doing,” the statement underscores that the value of creative work stems from attention to detail and mastery over the medium. It advocates for a disciplined approach, demystifying the notion that artistic outcomes simply emerge from flashes of genius or unrepeatable moments of inspiration. Success in artistic endeavors, then, is accessible through patience, practice, and refinement, rather than dependent on unpredictability or some form of unexplainable magic.
Highlighting that “process is not magic” serves as both an encouragement and a caution. It dispels the misconception that great art occurs in a spontaneous, inscrutable haze. Instead, it reassures artists and makers that meaningful results can be achieved by anyone willing to engage deeply with their craft. The process, with its trials and errors, its incremental improvements, becomes central; the journey itself is as significant as the final artwork. In celebrating the process as a series of learnable and improvable steps, Eames champions a view of art that is democratic, rooted in discipline, and available to all who commit themselves earnestly. Ultimately, the statement invites creators to embrace intention, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of quality in every step of their artistic journey.
More details
About the Author