"No, I didn't become disenchanted. I just couldn't paint like them"
- Lawrence Ferlinghetti
About this Quote
This quote by Lawrence Ferlinghetti speaks to the concept of artistic contrast and the problem of measuring up to the requirements of others. Ferlinghetti is saying that he did not become disenchanted with his own art, but rather he was unable to paint like the other artists he was comparing himself to. This speaks to the concept of artistic comparison and the difficulty of determining up to the requirements of others. It is a reminder that we need to not be too tough on ourselves when we can not reach the very same level of ability as those around us. Instead, we ought to focus on our own unique skills and abilities and make every effort to maximize them. Ferlinghetti's quote is a pointer that we ought to not be too hard on ourselves when we can not reach the exact same level of ability as those around us. We should concentrate on our own special skills and abilities and make every effort to take advantage of them.
"I studied all about Gauguin. He was a banker. He was a banker who - he used to paint on Sundays. And one day he hated himself for painting on Sundays"
"When I travel, I draw and paint sketches which is great fun. And as long as you are fully aware that it has nothing to do with actual art, I think that's all right"