"What was any art but a mould in which to imprison for a moment the shining elusive element which is life itself - life hurrying past us and running away, too strong to stop, too sweet to lose"

Willa Cather's quote beautifully encapsulates the ephemeral and vibrant essence of life as caught through art. At its core, this reflection suggests that art acts as a vessel to for a short while include and maintain the short lived and lively nature of life. Art, in its myriad forms-- whether it be literature, painting, music, or dance-- functions as a mold, an impression, a catching gadget for the swift currents of existence that continuously slip through our fingers.

Cather uses the metaphor of a "mould" to emphasize the transformative procedure of art. Just as a mold shapes liquid into a tangible form, art channels the intangible, short-term moments of life into something concrete and perceivable. Yet, this extremely act of "jail time" is temporary; art can not totally encapsulate the whole of life's essence, which is ever-moving and ever-changing. It acts as a temporal time out, providing a window into the bigger, unmanageable circulation of time and experience.

In addition, Cather's choice of words-- explaining life as "shining" and "elusive"-- stimulates a picture of something inherently stunning and important yet challenging to comprehend. Life, she suggests, is valuable and radiant but likewise unruly and resistant to containment. It is concurrently "too strong to stop" and "too sweet to lose", suggesting a duality of power and charm. Art, then, ends up being a necessary tool for humans to communicate with this duality, providing a way to hold onto and appreciate life's transient beauty even as it undoubtedly carries on.

In essence, Cather's perspective highlights the intrinsic worth of art in offering significance and continuity amidst the relentless passage of time. It is through art that we attempt to understand and engage with life's ephemeral nature, recording and holding the minutes that would otherwise slip away. This interpretation not just highlights the intimate relationship between art and life however likewise speaks to the universal human desire to experience and remember the charm of our short lived presence.