The detachment of the artist is kind of creepy. It's kind…
![“The detachment of the artist is kind of creepy. It's kind of rude, and yet really it's where art comes from. It's not the same as courage. It's closer to bad manners than to courage. [...] if you're going to be a writer, you basically have to say, 'this is just who I am […]'. There's a certain…” quote by Lorrie Moore](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/692/lorrie-moore-870_art_the-detachment-of-the-artist-is-kind-of_1687843.png)
“The detachment of the artist is kind of creepy. It's kind of rude, and yet really it's where art comes from. It's not the same as courage. It's closer to bad manners than to courage. [...] if you're going to be a writer, you basically have to say, 'this is just who I am […]'. There's a certain indefensibility about it. It's not about loving your community and taking care of it — you're not attached to the chamber of commerce. It's a little unsafe. You have to be willing to have only four friends, not 11.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The artist must detach from social expectations, risking rudeness, to create authentic work, not out of courage but because of a necessary isolation.
In simple terms: Artists need distance from norms to be authentic.
Key Takeaway
Embrace necessary isolation for true art.
Themes
creativity
authenticity
isolation
risk
individualism
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing
- painting
- music composition
- solo performance
- creative brainstorming
Key Concepts
artistic integrity
personal truth
social detachment
Questions to Reflect On
- How does isolation affect artistic authenticity?
- Is it possible to create without risking social ties?
A Different Perspective
Detachment can lead to alienation and loss of community support.