Artist Quote by John Berger
“The impulse to paint comes neither from observation nor from the soul (which is probably blind) but from an encounter: the encounter between painter and model: even if the model is a mountain or a shelf of empty medicine bottles.”
About This Quote
Painting is driven by a direct, often unexpected interaction with the subject, not by detached observation or introspection.
In simple terms: Art arises from encounter, not observation.
Key Takeaway
Encounter fuels creative impulse.
Themes
Creativity
Perception
Interaction
Subjectivity
Artistic Process
Mood
Curiosity
Wonder
Contemplation
Type
Observation
Philosophical
Reflective
When to use this quote
- When an artist confronts a landscape
- When a painter faces everyday objects
- When a sculptor meets a human figure
- When a photographer captures a fleeting moment
- When a writer describes a scene
Key Concepts
Encounter
Observation
Soul
Blindness
Model
Practical Applications
- Developing immersive installations
- Designing experiential exhibitions
Questions to Reflect On
- How does direct engagement change the artist's vision?
- What does 'blind soul' suggest about internal perception?
![“Faith is above all a personal, intimate encounter with Jesus, and to experience [His] closeness, [His] friendship, [His] Love; only in this way does one learn to know [Him] ever more, and to love and follow [Him] ever more. May this happen to each one of us.” quote by Pope Benedict XVI](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c3f/pope-benedict-xvi-414_closeness_faith-is-above-all-a-personal-intimate-e_149067.jpg)
![“There's the artist's intimacy and truthfulness to himself, but an equal intimacy to the Other [the one drawn]. Picasso drawings are like that... the Rembrandts are like that. The artist who most often did that was Van Gogh.” quote by John Berger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d1/john-berger-1590_art_there-s-the-artist-s-intimacy-and-truthf_155171.jpg)
