Artist Quote by Tom Robbins
““All things considered, I’ve learned more from talking to painters than talking to writers. Not that painters are smarter than writers, such is seldom the case, but in conversation writers are inclined to waste an inordinate amount of time either bragging or bellyaching about reviews and royalties, complaining about their publishers, or dissing other authors. Painters, being equally insecure, can likewise come across as boring and bitchy -- it’s tough being creative in a materialistic society -- but since they labor not in vineyards of verbiage but upon ice floes of visual images, they tend to function with fewer inhibitions than the wordsmiths when it comes to vocally exploring and expressing ideas. Since no one judges their speech, comparing it to their written work, they don’t feel so acutely the weight of language.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Painter’s Perspective”, 1995
Painters, less constrained by language, often speak more freely than writers, who may be hindered by criticism and publishing pressures.
In simple terms: Artists speak more freely than writers.
Key Takeaway
Seek diverse creative perspectives.
Themes
creativity
communication
materialism
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- art workshops
- writing groups
- cross‑disciplinary collaborations
Key Concepts
artistic expression
literary criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- What can writers learn from visual artists?
- How does materialism affect creativity?
A Different Perspective
Writers can also cultivate openness through practice.
