Arbitrary Quote by Jane Jacobs
“Artists, whatever their medium, make selections from the abounding materials of life, and organize these selections into works that are under the control of the artist… In relation to the inclusiveness and literally endless intricacy of life, art is arbitrary, symbolic and abstracted. That is its value and the source of its own kind of order and coherence.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Death and Life of Great American Cities, 1961
Art transforms life's limitless material into intentional, symbolic forms, creating order amid chaos.
In simple terms: Art gives shape to life's chaos.
Key Takeaway
Use art to impose meaning.
Themes
creativity
order
symbolism
Mood
reflective
inspired
Type
philosophical
artistic
When to use this quote
- design projects
- personal expression
- community murals
- educational workshops
Key Concepts
aesthetics
human perception
structure
Questions to Reflect On
- How does art reflect versus reshape reality?
- When does symbolism become restriction?
A Different Perspective
Art may impose order but can also limit spontaneity.
