"My first show sold within the first 3 minutes, and I came back to the studio and spent the next two and a half years making almost nothing"

This quote by Anish Kapoor captures the unforeseeable nature of an artist's journey, highlighting the volatile dynamics in between success and the creative procedure. When Kapoor mentions that his "first show sold within the very first 3 minutes", it highlights a minute of exhilarating success and acknowledgment. Such quick sales could symbolize that his work instantly resonated with audiences and collectors, maybe validating his creative vision and bringing a sense of accomplishment and optimism.

However, the subsequent part of the quote presents an appealing contrast: "I returned to the studio and spent the next two and a half years making nearly absolutely nothing". This reflects the often-overlooked truth that success in the art world can be fleeting and does not guarantee continual efficiency or acknowledgment. The phrase "making practically absolutely nothing" might be interpreted in multiple methods. It might suggest a period of creative block, where regardless of the initial success, Kapoor dealt with obstacles in discovering inspiration or producing new work that met his requirements or the expectations set by his first show.

Alternatively, it might describe the business element, showing that although his very first program was successful, financial stability from art takes some time to emerge, and not every piece or effort lead to immediate economic gain. This aspect of an artist's life includes constant experimentation, discovering, and determination, where concrete success might not constantly be evident.

Kapoor's reflection uses an extensive lesson on the cyclical nature of innovative undertakings: preliminary success does not prevent future struggles, and durations of apparent stagnation are typically an intrinsic part of an artist's growth and development. This quote acts as a tip to appreciate the procedure and to comprehend that behind every public success lies a series of hidden efforts, obstacles, and personal developments that contribute to an artist's long-term journey.