"I don't know what an audience wants to see but I know what I like to see"
About this Quote
In this quote by Paul Guilfoyle, the actor touches on a basic tension in the performing arts and entertainment fields: the balance between personal creative vision and audience expectations. Guilfoyle's declaration exposes a self-questioning about the subjective nature of art and entertainment. On one hand, the quote acknowledges a particular degree of uncertainty and humility about anticipating or determining audience choices. This may reflect the diverse and unforeseeable nature of human tastes and interests, which can frequently be a moving target for developers and performers. Guilfoyle suggests that to confidently know what an audience wants is, maybe, an impossible or presumptuous undertaking.
On the other hand, the second half of the quote moves the focus to the specific artist's perspective: "however I know what I like to see". This recommends that personal taste and impulse play an important function in the work of an artist. Guilfoyle indicates that artists typically ground their operate in their preferences and beliefs about what is entertaining or meaningful, using their individual perceptiveness as a compass. This intrinsic motivation can drive creativity and innovation, leading to the production of work that is authentic and passionate.
Additionally, the quote hints at a vibrant interplay where individual credibility can ultimately resonate with audiences on a deeper level. While creators might not constantly forecast what will be commercially successful, work that is real to the artist's vision and taste typically finds its own specific niche of gratitude and can translate into genuine audience connection.
In a wider sense, Guilfoyle's words also underscore the concept that art and home entertainment are not just about catering to popular needs but also about sharing a vision or storytelling that reflects the artist's own experiences and values. By following his own likes and interests, the artist can offer a special viewpoint that might, in turn, engage and captivate audiences in unforeseen and profound methods. This balance of self-expression and audience engagement is at the core of creative venture.
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