Air Quote by Elizabeth Bowen
“I am dead against art's being self-expression. I see an inherent failure in any story which fails to detach itself from the author-detach itself in the sense that a well-blown soap-bubble detaches itself from the bowl of the blower's pipe and spherically takes off into the air as a new, whole, pure, iridescent world. Whereas the ill-blown bubble, as children know, timidly adheres to the bowl's lip, then either bursts or sinks flatly back again.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: On Art and Self‑Expression, 1945
Art should detach from the author’s ego, allowing the work to exist independently like a free‑floating bubble.
In simple terms: Art must stand apart from its creator.
Key Takeaway
Create work that transcends personal identity.
Themes
art
self‑expression
detachment
Mood
contemplative
thoughtful
philosophical
Type
essay
critical
When to use this quote
- gallery exhibition
- creative writing
- film making
- visual arts
- performance
Key Concepts
ego
authorship
purity
Questions to Reflect On
- Can art ever be truly author‑less?
- How does personal experience shape art?
A Different Perspective
Complete detachment is impossible.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)