But before all else a work of art is the creation of love…
“But before all else a work of art is the creation of love. Love for the subject first and for the medium second. Love is the fundamental necessity underlying the need to create, underlying the emotion that gives it form, and from which grows the unfinished product that is presented to the world. Love is the general criterion by which the rare photograph is judged. It must contain it to be not less than the best of which the photographer is capable.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Creating art requires love for both subject and medium; love is the essential drive that shapes and judges artistic work.
In simple terms: Love for subject and medium fuels creation.
Cultivate love for your craft.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- photography
- painting
- writing
- music composition
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What do you love most about your medium?
- How does love influence your creative decisions?
Without love, art may lack depth.