"I felt it was part of the spirit of the whole program to do more than simply make an object"

Martin Puryear's quote speaks to the idea of developing something with a purpose beyond the physical things itself. He is recommending that the act of creating ought to be more than just the production of a product, however ought to also be an expression of the artist's spirit. This idea is especially pertinent in the context of art, as the artist's vision and feeling are typically revealed through their work. By developing something with a much deeper significance, the artist is able to communicate their concepts and feelings to the viewer. This quote likewise talks to the idea of developing something with a greater purpose, such as a work of art that can motivate and uplift others. By developing something with a higher purpose, the artist has the ability to make a lasting impact on the world. In this method, the artist has the ability to use their work to make a distinction in the lives of others.