Art Quote by David Rakoff
“A secondhand wardrobe hand clothes doesn't make one an artist. Neither do a hair-trigger temper, melancholic nature, propensity for tears, hating your parents, or HIV. I hate to say it - none of these make one an artist. They can help, but just as being gay doesn't make one witty... the only thing that makes one an artist is making art.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The New Yorker, “The Art of Being an Artist”, 2004
True artistic identity comes from creating work, not from personal traits, hardships, or identity markers.
In simple terms: Being an artist means making art, not just having certain experiences.
Key Takeaway
Focus on creation, not self‑justification.
Themes
identity
creativity
identity
authenticity
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- Writing a novel
- painting a canvas
- performing music
- curating an exhibit
Key Concepts
Self‑definition
artistic merit
social perception
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to “make art” in everyday life?
- Can lived experience ever be essential to artistic authenticity?
A Different Perspective
Personal background may influence style but does not confer artistic status.
