"Sometimes I get worried I'm getting too caught up in the nauseatingly oily smoothness of my own line, when all I'm trying to do is make it as clear as possible"

In this quote by Chris Ware, we see a thoughtful reflection on the nature of creative expression and the challenges of maintaining authenticity. Ware, understood for his intricately detailed and extremely elegant graphic books, is likely dealing with the stress in between strategy and compound in imaginative work.

The phrase "nauseatingly oily smoothness" recommends a sense of discomfort with an excessively sleek or refined execution. While technical proficiency and visual smoothness are frequently marks of a skilled artist, Ware watches out for the potential for these qualities to become excessive, to the point that they eclipse and even undermine the original intent behind the work. It speaks with the threat of losing the rawness and spontaneity that typically imbue art with its vitality and psychological resonance.

When Ware discusses "getting too caught up ... when all I'm attempting to do is make it as clear as possible", he highlights a core creative objective: clearness of communication. For an artist, whether in visual art, composing, or another medium, the goal is often to communicate ideas, emotions, or narratives in a manner that is available and impactful to the audience. Nevertheless, there is a fragile balance in between clarity and over-sophistication. An artist may find themselves trapped in the pursuit of a smooth line-- a metaphor for a refined method or style-- therefore forgeting the message or sensation they intended to express.

This introspection is relatable to anyone associated with creative fields, where there is a constant push-and-pull in between refining one's craft and preserving the authenticity of one's voice. Ware is recognizing the significance of intention over perfection. His issue is a tip that art ought to not just be about the pursuit of technical excellence but likewise about real expression.