"I remember Francis Bacon would say that he felt he was giving art what he thought it previously lacked. With me, it's what Yeats called the fascination with what's difficult. I'm only trying to do what I can't do"

Definitely! This quote by Lucian Freud offers a deep insight into his creative approach and his technique toward creativity and personal challenges in art.

Freud begins by referencing Francis Bacon, a fellow artist known for his raw, mentally charged images. Bacon's assertion about giving art something it formerly did not have suggests a drive to innovate, to press borders, and to include a new measurement or perspective to the art world. This indicates a frustration with the status quo and a desire to contribute something distinct and transformative. For Bacon, filling this perceived void in art was an assisting principle of his work, showing an ambition to redefine or broaden the scope of creative expression.

On the other hand, Freud relates to an idea from W.B. Yeats, who mentioned "the fascination with what's hard." This symbolizes an intrinsic motivation to take on difficulties and push personal limits. Freud's artistic journey is not just about offering art something it lacked, however about challenging his own constraints and pursuing the complexity that intrigues him. This fascination is not just about conquering barriers but embracing them as essential to the imaginative process. The idea of working on what he "can't do" highlights a continuous making every effort, an unrelenting pursuit of development and improvement. It recommends an artist in consistent discussion with his own abilities, constantly pushing the limits of his skills and creativity.

Freud's statement highlights an internal, practically existential, drive-- developing not for the sake of conclusion but for the journey of exploration itself. It's a testimony to the continuous advancement of an artist. By trying to attain what he believes is just beyond his reach, he stays engaged and invigorated, constantly restoring his commitment to art. Eventually, the quote reveals not only Freud's admiration for Bacon's transformative contributions but also his own pursuit of artistic satisfaction through accepting problem and difficult himself. This dual reflection of innovation and personal development specifies Freud's artistic ethos, causing a distinct and prominent body of work.