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Art Quote by Clive Barker

“I'm an inclusionist. I've always divided up (very, very broadly, I admit) the artistic instincts into the inclusionist and the exclusionist. The exclusionist is Raccine. The inclusionist is Shakespeare. I've always felt like I'd prefer to throw 45 things into the pot and hope that maybe 36 of them…” quote by Clive Barker
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““I'm an inclusionist. I've always divided up (very, very broadly, I admit) the artistic instincts into the inclusionist and the exclusionist. The exclusionist is Raccine. The inclusionist is Shakespeare. I've always felt like I'd prefer to throw 45 things into the pot and hope that maybe 36 of them will taste good. You may choke on 9 of them. I'd rather do that than only have half that number of elements and each one perfect. That's because I know that people choke on different things… I think that when I was a kid, the experience of things, the experience of just finding words for things, of finding somebody else's world and being able to leap into it and, like any world, you pick up the geography instantly. You expected the thing to unfold, you expected there to be valleys that upon entering that world you were barely aware of. For me a novel, particularly a large novel, one you put down at the end and think, 'Hell, that was interesting. I'm not sure I understood Chapters X, Y and Z, but maybe next time I read it or talk to someone about it, I will'... that's a very different experience to the immaculately formed, beautifully honed, finished 'art' thing.””

Clive Barker

About This Quote

The speaker prefers a diverse, imperfect artistic mix that offers varied experiences, accepting that some elements will fail while overall richness is achieved.

In simple terms: Embrace messy variety over flawless uniformity.

Key Takeaway

Creative diversity yields richer, more engaging art.

Themes

creativity inclusion imperfection artistic risk

Mood

enthusiastic reflective

Type

creative manifesto personal philosophy

When to use this quote

  • writing workshops
  • curating exhibitions
  • team brainstorming sessions

Key Concepts

aesthetic philosophy cognitive diversity

Practical Applications

  • mix contrasting styles
  • allow for controlled failure

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance variety with narrative clarity?
  • When does imperfection become detrimental?
A Different Perspective

Too much heterogeneity can dilute coherence, confusing audiences.

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