"It wouldn't be right for me to clown around when I'm painting a president"

This quote by Norman Rockwell speaks with the value of taking one's work seriously, even when it may not be the most serious of jobs. Rockwell was a renowned American painter, and he was known for his renowned representations of daily life in the United States. In this quote, he is referring to the task of painting a president, which is a severe and important task. He is stating that it would not be appropriate for him to be clowning around while he is painting a president, as it would not be considerate to the office of the president. This quote talks to Rockwell's commitment to his craft and his respect for the workplace of the president. It likewise serves as a tip to everyone to take our work seriously, no matter how big or little the task may be.