--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I feel, as an artist, I should be able to…" description: "\"I feel, as an artist, I should be able to express who I am and the things I come from, and the places I want to also be.\" — Common" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d3e/common-2673_able_i-feel-as-an-artist-i-should-be-able-to_2139829.png" --- # I feel, as an artist, I should be able to express who I am… ![“I feel, as an artist, I should be able to express who I am and the things I come from, and the places I want to also be.” quote by Common](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d3e/common-2673_able_i-feel-as-an-artist-i-should-be-able-to_2139829.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d3e/common-2673_able_i-feel-as-an-artist-i-should-be-able-to_2139829.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d3e/common-2673_able_i-feel-as-an-artist-i-should-be-able-to_2139829.png) > “I feel, as an artist, I should be able to express who I am and the things I come from, and the places I want to also be.” [Common](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/common/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote highlights an artist's desire for authentic self‑expression and the freedom to explore multiple identities and origins. **In simple terms:** Artists seek authentic self‑expression and explore multiple identities. Key Takeaway Embrace and convey your full identity. Themes self‑expression identity creativity Mood reflective inspired Type artistic personal When to use this quote - artistic practice - personal storytelling - cultural projects - identity exploration Key Concepts authenticity cultural heritage personal growth Questions to Reflect On - How does your background shape your art? - What limits your ability to express all facets of yourself? A Different Perspective May be constrained by market expectations or audience reception. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Art](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art/) [Artist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/artist/) ## Related quotes > [So many bad things happen in this world because people don't know how to express things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susan-minot/so-many-bad-things-happen-in-this-world-because-people-don-t-know-how/) [Susan Minot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susan-minot/) > [I'm a songwriter; it's in my nature to express things openly.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matt-bellamy/i-m-a-songwriter-it-s-in-my-nature-to-express-things-openly/) [Matt Bellamy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matt-bellamy/) > [I come from all places and to all places I go: I am art among the arts and mountain among mountains. I know the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jose-marti/i-come-from-all-places-and-to-all-places-i-go-i-am-art-among-the-arts/) [Jose Marti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jose-marti/) > [I always come over to places I don't live, and I'm always so surprised. I'm like, 'I don't think anyone knows who I am…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/g-flip/i-always-come-over-to-places-i-don-t-live-and-i-m-always-so-surprised/) [G Flip](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/g-flip/) > [You come to places like Norwich and the atmosphere is incredible.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rodri/you-come-to-places-like-norwich-and-the-atmosphere-is-incredible/) [Rodri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rodri/) > [I find in music there's a space and a language I can use to express things in ways I can't describe conversationally.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sufjan-stevens/i-find-in-music-there-s-a-space-and-a-language-i-can-use-to-express/) [Sufjan Stevens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sufjan-stevens/) > [Everything I do tries to do the same thing, which is to express things that are hard to express, hidden things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-woodring/everything-i-do-tries-to-do-the-same-thing-which-is-to-express-things/) [Jim Woodring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-woodring/) > [I think performance art comes from a simple place of wanting to express things beyond just sound.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amanda-palmer/i-think-performance-art-comes-from-a-simple-place-of-wanting-to/) [Amanda Palmer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amanda-palmer/) > [Describe your sorrows and desires, passing thoughts and the belief in some sort of beauty-describe all these with loving, quiet, humble sincerity, and use,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rainer-maria-rilke/describe-your-sorrows-and-desires-passing-thoughts-and-the-belief-in/) [Rainer Maria Rilke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rainer-maria-rilke/) > [People tell me all the time that my songs help them express things to loved ones that they may not be able to say…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-legend/people-tell-me-all-the-time-that-my-songs-help-them-express-things-to/) [John Legend](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-legend/) > [I don't tally the world, asking, "Would this annoy you? Would this annoy you?" That's so far removed from where I'm at when I'm…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/miranda-july/i-don-t-tally-the-world-asking-would-this-annoy-you-would-this-annoy/) [Miranda July](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/miranda-july/) > [The true art is being able to take whatever the writer's done, and if it is a bit flimsy or it is a bit…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-howle/the-true-art-is-being-able-to-take-whatever-the-writer-s-done-and-if/) [Billy Howle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-howle/) > [I loved being a child. If I do have a talent, it's not so much being an artist, but it's being able to remember…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jan-brett/i-loved-being-a-child-if-i-do-have-a-talent-it-s-not-so-much-being-an/) [Jan Brett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jan-brett/) > [I think one of the biggest limitations for an artist is not being able to dream a golden dream. We're always saying, "Oh, we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dana-tai-soon-burgess/i-think-one-of-the-biggest-limitations-for-an-artist-is-not-being/) [Dana Tai Soon Burgess](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dana-tai-soon-burgess/) > [I think a great artist should be able to create any style, any form, anything from rock to pop to gospel to spiritual, just…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-jackson/i-think-a-great-artist-should-be-able-to-create-any-style-any-form/) [Michael Jackson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-jackson/) ## More by Common > [Raised by game where niggas ain't phased by fame. Come to the crib, get banged, they take your chain.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/common/raised-by-game-where-niggas-ain-t-phased-by-fame-come-to-the-crib-get/) [Common](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/common/) > [He demeanor of the Ghetto, to never stay settled. Aldermen and corrupt men play Pharaoh.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/common/he-demeanor-of-the-ghetto-to-never-stay-settled-aldermen-and-corrupt/) [Common](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/common/) > [I'm a black man that is proud to be black, and I want to help the black community, but I love all mankind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/common/i-m-a-black-man-that-is-proud-to-be-black-and-i-want-to-help-the/) [Common](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/common/) > [This is street radio, for unsung heroes. Riding in they regal, trying to stay legal.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/common/this-is-street-radio-for-unsung-heroes-riding-in-they-regal-trying-to/) [Common](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/common/) > [Burn a Bush cause for peace he no push no button. Killing over oil and grease, no weapons of destruction, How can we follow…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/common/burn-a-bush-cause-for-peace-he-no-push-no-button-killing-over-oil-and/) [Common](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/common/) > [I want to be the voice of the people; black, white, everyday, oppressed people. A person trying to make it and to do it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/common/i-want-to-be-the-voice-of-the-people-black-white-everyday-oppressed/) [Common](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/common/) > [Every song you make Joe is really hoe music. I heard you said you wasn't a bitch because you sing. You a bitch because…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/common/every-song-you-make-joe-is-really-hoe-music-i-heard-you-said-you-wasn/) [Common](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/common/) > [I want a better world, I want love and harmony amongst people no matter what color you are, what race or what background you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/common/i-want-a-better-world-i-want-love-and-harmony-amongst-people-no/) [Common](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/common/) > [Black people in America have come from slavery to other forms of being oppressed and there are some things that come with that -…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/common/black-people-in-america-have-come-from-slavery-to-other-forms-of/) [Common](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/common/) > [Love has no limit lets spend it slow forever.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/common/love-has-no-limit-lets-spend-it-slow-forever/) [Common](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/common/) > [The possibility of an Oscar is something I definitely think about and the fact that I can even say that is just a blessing.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/common/the-possibility-of-an-oscar-is-something-i-definitely-think-about-and/) [Common](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/common/) > [God is my guide, so I try to not judge myself too much, knowing that at the end of the day, my greatest judge…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/common/god-is-my-guide-so-i-try-to-not-judge-myself-too-much-knowing-that-at/) [Common](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/common/) > [I think and speak clearer since I cut the dairy out. I can breathe better and perform at a better rate, and my voice…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/common/i-think-and-speak-clearer-since-i-cut-the-dairy-out-i-can-breathe/) [Common](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/common/) > [She walk into the court her knees buckle Saying for a man to survive he needn't hustle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/common/she-walk-into-the-court-her-knees-buckle-saying-for-a-man-to-survive/) [Common](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/common/) > [The human being that I strive to be is a great human being, like a loving human being, but as an actor, you take…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/common/the-human-being-that-i-strive-to-be-is-a-great-human-being-like-a/) [Common](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/common/) [Explore all 155 Common quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/common/) ## More Able quotes > [I am certain that children always know more than they are able to tell, and that makes the big difference between them and adults,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jacques-lusseyran/i-am-certain-that-children-always-know-more-than-they-are-able-to/) [Jacques Lusseyran](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jacques-lusseyran/) > [I have observed this in my experience of slavery, - that whenever my condition was improved, instead of its increasing my contentment, it only…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-douglass/i-have-observed-this-in-my-experience-of-slavery-that-whenever-my/) [Frederick Douglass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-douglass/) > [There is something about the South that accepts the supernatural. If you don't accept it and you're having a conversation with someone who does,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alice-englert/there-is-something-about-the-south-that-accepts-the-supernatural-if/) [Alice Englert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alice-englert/) > [In the '80s, the way radio was programmed, if you didn't have a hit record you weren't going to be able to make any…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/huey-lewis/in-the-80s-the-way-radio-was-programmed-if-you-didn-t-have-a-hit/) [Huey Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/huey-lewis/) > [I think I've had the longest career of strength, focus, and still being able to sell records. I think I'm that guy. I'm still…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nas/i-think-i-ve-had-the-longest-career-of-strength-focus-and-still-being/) [Nas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nas/) > [I have that need in me, I want everyone to love me, but I'm embarrassed by that need, so I wanted to cover it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthony-jeselnik/i-have-that-need-in-me-i-want-everyone-to-love-me-but-i-m-embarrassed/) [Anthony Jeselnik](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-jeselnik/) > [Thinking about the things that happened, I don't know any other ball player would could have done what he (Jackie Robinson) did. To be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pee-wee-reese/thinking-about-the-things-that-happened-i-don-t-know-any-other-ball/) [Pee Wee Reese](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pee-wee-reese/) > [I wanted to remember in order to be able to return.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anais-nin/i-wanted-to-remember-in-order-to-be-able-to-return/) [Anais Nin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anais-nin/) > [Government schools, with your tax money, now discourage the teaching of multiplication tables by rote memorization but teach reading by the 'look-and-say' method which…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/greg-perry/government-schools-with-your-tax-money-now-discourage-the-teaching-of/) Greg Perry > [I don't know if I would qualify as mainstream. I think I have managed to function pretty successfully on the fringes of the music…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pat-metheny/i-don-t-know-if-i-would-qualify-as-mainstream-i-think-i-have-managed/) [Pat Metheny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pat-metheny/) > [What we're supposed to do as actors is be able to portray real human beings and emotions. And if you grow up in this…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emily-browning/what-we-re-supposed-to-do-as-actors-is-be-able-to-portray-real-human/) [Emily Browning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emily-browning/) > [The reason that Apple is able to create products like iPad is because we always try to be at the intersection of technology and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-jobs/the-reason-that-apple-is-able-to-create-products-like-ipad-is-because/) [Steve Jobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-jobs/) > [It was an important period for us, because even though we weren't a "punk band", and what became a model for a punk band,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-mallinder/it-was-an-important-period-for-us-because-even-though-we-weren-t-a/) [Stephen Mallinder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-mallinder/) > [- You look fine. - Right. I look fine. Except I don't, said Zora, tugging sadly at her man's nightshirt. This was why Kiki…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zadie-smith/you-look-fine-right-i-look-fine-except-i-don-t-said-zora-tugging/) [Zadie Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zadie-smith/) > [There is a way to be a woman, ask for what we deserve and be able to negotiate.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tracee-ellis-ross/there-is-a-way-to-be-a-woman-ask-for-what-we-deserve-and-be-able-to/) [Tracee Ellis Ross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tracee-ellis-ross/) Browse all 17,257 Able quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I feel, as an artist, I should be able to express who I am and the things I come from, and the places I want to also be.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Common" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/common/i-feel-as-an-artist-i-should-be-able-to-express-who-i-am-and-the/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Able" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/common/i-feel-as-an-artist-i-should-be-able-to-express-who-i-am-and-the/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d3e/common-2673_able_i-feel-as-an-artist-i-should-be-able-to_2139829.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d3e/common-2673_able_i-feel-as-an-artist-i-should-be-able-to_2139829.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d3e/common-2673_able_i-feel-as-an-artist-i-should-be-able-to_2139829.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“I feel, as an artist, I should be able to express who I am and the things I come from, and the places I want…” — Common", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Common", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/common/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "I feel, as an artist, I...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/common/i-feel-as-an-artist-i-should-be-able-to-express-who-i-am-and-the/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/common/i-feel-as-an-artist-i-should-be-able-to-express-who-i-am-and-the/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```