"There were periods when I sometimes made fires in a large, open fireplace that lasted about two weeks, which was how long it took to burn my compositions. So there has been an awful lot that I have destroyed"

Alan Hovhaness's quote reflects a deep and psychological engagement with his creative process, one marked by damage as much as structure. By mentioning that he "made fires in a big, fireplace that lasted about two weeks" to "burn [his] compositions", Hovhaness reveals a ceremonial technique to self-critique and the challenging nature of artistic production. The act of burning structures can be seen as more than just an actual damage of his work; it's likewise a symbolic cleansing or rebirth. This damaging process, which Hovhaness describes as taking 2 weeks to complete, suggests not only a considerable volume of work however also an extensive intensity in his examination procedure.

Hovhaness's admission that "a terrible lot" was destroyed highlights the perpetual stress artists feel in between their previous and future work. For an artist, creative output is not static however rather a progressing process. What satisfies today may not resonate tomorrow, provoking an intense urge to fine-tune, reinvent, or even eliminate previous efforts in pursuit of artistic purity or development. Burning his structures could indicate dissatisfaction, an effort to distance himself from previous limitations, and even a needed sacrifice to give way for originalities and inspirations.

Behind this intense act is a potent lesson in the impermanence of imagination and the courage needed to let go of the past. The damage talks to Hovhaness's dedication to artistic integrity and his relentless desire for growth and authenticity. It exposes a fearless willingness to face his artistic identity, acknowledging that damage may be as vital to mastery as production. Ultimately, the quote functions as a testimony to the intricacies artists face, stressing that true creativity typically involves welcoming loss to foster rebirth and innovation.