Skip to content

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…” quote by Eliot Porter
Download Open image
“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.”

Eliot Porter

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.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate love for your craft.

Themes

art love creativity

Mood

inspirational reflective

Type

artistic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • photography
  • painting
  • writing
  • music composition

Key Concepts

aesthetics motivation creative process

Questions to Reflect On

  • What do you love most about your medium?
  • How does love influence your creative decisions?
A Different Perspective

Without love, art may lack depth.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Eliot Porter

Explore all 11 Eliot Porter quotes

More Art quotes

Browse all 48,643 Art quotes