--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: My work is not so overtly about movement…" description: "\"My work is not so overtly about movement. My horses' gestures are really quite quiet, because real horses move so much better than I could pretend to m..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/69f/deborah-butterfield-71759_artist_my-work-is-not-so-overtly-about-movement_1113800.jpg" --- # My work is not so overtly about movement. My horses'… ![“My work is not so overtly about movement. My horses' gestures are really quite quiet, because real horses move so much better than I could pretend to make things move. For the pieces I make, the gesture is really more within the body, it's like an internalized gesture, which is more about the…” quote by Deborah Butterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/69f/deborah-butterfield-71759_artist_my-work-is-not-so-overtly-about-movement_1113800.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/69f/deborah-butterfield-71759_artist_my-work-is-not-so-overtly-about-movement_1113800.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/69f/deborah-butterfield-71759_artist_my-work-is-not-so-overtly-about-movement_1113800.jpg) > “My work is not so overtly about movement. My horses' gestures are really quite quiet, because real horses move so much better than I could pretend to make things move. For the pieces I make, the gesture is really more within the body, it's like an internalized gesture, which is more about the content, the state of mind or of being at a given instant. And so it's more like a painting...the gesture and the movement is all pretty much contained within the body.” Deborah Butterfield ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Her art emphasizes internal, subtle gestures over overt motion, focusing on inner state and content rather than literal movement. **In simple terms:** She values quiet, internal expression over visible action. Key Takeaway Focus on inner feeling, not just external motion. Themes art expression mindfulness Mood contemplative introspective Type artist statement philosophical When to use this quote - sculpture creation - performance art - mindful practice - contemporary art exhibitions Key Concepts embodiment gesture stillness Questions to Reflect On - How does internal gesture affect viewer perception? - Can subtle movement convey as much meaning as overt action? A Different Perspective May be interpreted as underemphasizing physical dynamics, limiting audience's kinetic expectations. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Artist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/artist/) [Body](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/body/) [Gesture](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gesture/) [Gestures](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gestures/) [Horse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/horse/) [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) [Movement](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/movement/) [Painting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/painting/) [State of mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/state-of-mind/) ## Related quotes > [I'll be honest, I felt an urge to squeeze him like a kitten and that led to the gesture I made. 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