Art Quote by Irving Stone
“One should not become an artist because he can, but because he must. It is only for those who would be miserable without it.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Life and Times of ... (fictional reference), null
An artist should pursue creation out of necessity, not mere ability, because it fulfills a deep personal need.
In simple terms: Create because you must, not just because you can.
Key Takeaway
Follow your inner drive.
Themes
art
purpose
creativity
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career choice
- personal fulfillment
- creative block
- mental health
Key Concepts
existential need
self‑actualization
Questions to Reflect On
- What compels you to create?
- How does necessity shape your art?
A Different Perspective
If you lack necessity, the work may feel hollow.
![“[Photographer Julian Wasser] had this great idea that I should play chess naked with Marcel Duchamp and it seem to be such a great idea that it was just like the best idea I'd ever heard in my life. It was like a great idea. I mean, it was - Not only was it vengeance, it was art, and it was, like…” quote by Eve Babitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/18d/eve-babitz-19835_art_photographer-julian-wasser-had-this-grea_14326.jpg)
![“You cannot be the good all the time — sometimes it is necessary to get angry. [Vincent Van Gogh]” quote by Irving Stone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/019/irving-stone-3288_anger_you-cannot-be-the-good-all-the-time-some_26170.jpg)
