"The artist likes to seem totally responsible for his work. Often he begins to explain it, to make it appear as if it were a reasonable process"

Arthur Erickson's quote reflects on the understanding and processes of creative creation, revealing the dynamics between the artist, their work, and the audience's understanding. When Erickson states, "The artist likes to seem totally responsible for his work", he discuss the typical concept that artists frequently provide themselves as the sovereign designers of their productions. This understanding of overall control and obligation boosts the artist's stature and can raise the viewed value of their work, portraying them as solitary geniuses who thoroughly craft their art from beginning to completion.

This sentiment may originate from social expectations of artists to be the sole visionaries behind their work. Many viewers and critics hold a glamorized view of the artist as an independent creator whose individuality and individual vision are expressed through their art. By appearing absolutely responsible, the artist feeds into this narrative and confirms the audience's presumptions, hence satisfying their expectations.

Erickson's observation that the artist "starts to explain it, to make it appear as if it were a reasonable process" recommends the propensity of artists to justify their procedure post-creation. While the act of developing art can be extremely user-friendly, emotional, and sometimes chaotic, artists often frame their operate in a way that appears structured and rational when interacting with an audience. This description might serve a dual purpose: it assists others understand and connect with the work, and it can likewise help the artist themselves process their act of production.

However, trying to discuss art work as a rational process may interfere with the intrinsic spontaneity and unpredictability of imagination. By justifying the innovative process, artists may remove away a few of the mystique and user-friendly components that are intrinsic to art's appeal. Ultimately, Erickson's quote shows a tension between the artist's desire for authorship and the need to bridge the space between abstract creation and public analysis.