Able Quote by Stephen Shore
“A quote that I like very much comes close to explaining my attitude about taking photographs. ‘Chinese poetry rarely trespasses beyond the bounds of actuality the great Chinese poets accept the world exactly as they find it in all its terms and with profound simplicity they seldom talk about one thing in terms of another; but are able enough and sure enough as artists to make the ultimately exact terms become the beautiful terms.’”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Photography and Philosophy, 2010
Chinese poetry’s simplicity mirrors photography’s focus on direct reality, turning precise observation into beauty.
In simple terms: Simple observation becomes beautiful.
Capture reality with simplicity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- photography
- visual arts
- education
- creative writing
- cultural study
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What everyday detail can you see as art?
- How does simplicity affect emotional impact?
May overlook deeper layers beyond surface truth.