"I don't keep any copy of my books around... they would embarass me. When I finish writing my books, I kick them in the belly, and have done with them"

The quote by Ludwig Bemelmans reflects a complex relationship in between an author and their innovative work, blending self-deprecation, relief, and a somewhat paradoxical sense of accomplishment. At its core, the declaration reveals Bemelmans's pain with his past work, suggesting an unwillingness to linger on what has currently been produced. This viewpoint is not uncommon amongst artists, many of whom struggle with self-criticism and a tendency to focus on perceived imperfections.

Bemelmans's statement that his books would "humiliate" him suggests a crucial view of either the quality of the work or the vulnerability exposed through individual expression. Authors frequently put individual ideas, beliefs, and emotions into their writing, leaving them feeling exposed once their work reaches the public. Over time, as they develop artistically and personally, they may find earlier works less representative of their existing self, causing feelings of humiliation or discomfort.

The metaphor of kicking the book "in the stubborn belly" communicates a sense of finality and detachment, a desire to disassociate from the work upon conclusion. It emphasizes a need to move on, instead of dwell on or modify previous achievements. This technique can foster creative freedom, enabling an artist to constantly check out new ideas without being connected to past successes or failures.

Additionally, Beneath the surface area, there is an implicit acknowledgment of the tiring procedure that culminates in imaginative release. It's a way to reveal that, once the labor of composing is complete, it is best to leave it behind rather than become entangled in unlimited self-evaluation.

In essence, Bemelmans's quote encapsulates a nuanced relationship with the innovative process: a blend of artistic restlessness, vulnerability, and the mission for development, underscoring that each finished work is a stepping stone rather than a destination.