Art Quote by Lewis Hyde
“Most artists are brought to their vocation when their own nascent gifts are awakened by the work of a master. That is to say, most artists are converted to art by art itself. Finding one's voice isn't just an emptying and purifying oneself of the words of others but an adopting and embracing of filiations, communities, and discourses. Inspiration could be called inhaling the memory of an act never experienced. Invention, it must be humbly admitted, does not consist in creating out of void but out of chaos. Any artist knows these truths, no matter how deeply he or she submerges that knowing.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Gift: Creativity and the Artist in the Modern World by Lewis Hyde, 1983
Artists awaken to their craft through the influence of masters, absorbing traditions and community, turning chaos into invention.
In simple terms: Artists learn from masters, turning chaos into art.
Key Takeaway
Embrace tradition, create from chaos.
Themes
creativity
tradition
community
invention
learning
Mood
reflective
inspired
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- art education
- creative workshops
- collaborative projects
- personal artistic development
Key Concepts
Apprenticeship
cultural transmission
chaos theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance tradition with personal innovation?
- What role does community play in shaping your artistic voice?
A Different Perspective
The process can be hindered by rigid adherence to tradition, limiting innovation.
