---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: To be an artist that is fully original…"
description: "\"To be an artist that is fully original, it doesn't exist.\" — John Gourley"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e3b/john-gourley-8080_art_to-be-an-artist-that-is-fully-original-i_1189496.jpg"
---

#  To be an artist that is fully original, it doesn't exist.

![“To be an artist that is fully original, it doesn't exist.” quote by John Gourley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e3b/john-gourley-8080_art_to-be-an-artist-that-is-fully-original-i_1189496.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e3b/john-gourley-8080_art_to-be-an-artist-that-is-fully-original-i_1189496.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e3b/john-gourley-8080_art_to-be-an-artist-that-is-fully-original-i_1189496.jpg)

> “To be an artist that is fully original, it doesn't exist.”

[John Gourley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-gourley/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

True originality is impossible; creativity builds on existing ideas.

**In simple terms:** No one is truly original.

Key Takeaway

Embrace influence while innovating.

Themes

creativity originality art inspiration

Mood

thoughtful philosophical artistic

Type

ly philosophical

When to use this quote

- writing
- visual arts
- music composition
- design projects

Key Concepts

intertextuality cultural remix artistic evolution

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you honor influences while creating something fresh?
- What does “original” mean to you?

A Different Perspective

The pursuit of originality can stifle experimentation.

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