I think there's much more privileging of the new in art. I…
“I think there's much more privileging of the new in art. I think people want to think they privilege the new in writing, but I agree with Virginia Woolf. She wrote a great essay called "Craftsmanship" about how difficult it is to use new words. It's really hard, but you see them coming in because obviously, if you're going to write... I mean, even to write "cell phone" in a novel - it's so boring.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The art world over‑values novelty; using fresh language is hard but necessary, as shown by Woolf’s essay on craftsmanship.
In simple terms: Newness is prized, yet hard to master.
Key Takeaway
Embrace craft while exploring new expressions.
Themes
art
language
craftsmanship
innovation
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- editing
- teaching creative writing
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
literary theory
creative writing
modernism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance originality with clarity?
- What role does craftsmanship play in innovation?
A Different Perspective
Novelty can become gimmick without skill.