Air Quote by Virginia Woolf
“...she took her hand and raised her brush. For a moment it stayed trembling in a painful but exciting ecstacy in the air. Where to begin?--that was the question at what point to make the first mark? One line placed on the canvas committed her to innumerable risks, to frequent and irrevocable decisions. All that in idea seemed simple became in practice immediately complex; as the waves shape themselves symmetrically from the cliff top, but to the swimmer among them are divided by steep gulfs, and foaming crests. Still the risk must run; the mark made.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, 1925
Creating art forces a decisive first action, turning simple ideas into complex, risky choices that shape the work.
In simple terms: Starting a creative act brings risk and complexity.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the first mark despite uncertainty.
Themes
creativity
risk
decisionmaking
artisticprocess
Mood
anxious
hopeful
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- painting
- writing
- design
- entrepreneurship
- personal projects
Key Concepts
existentialism
agency
complexity
Questions to Reflect On
- What small action can you take to begin your project?
- How do you handle uncertainty after the first decision?
A Different Perspective
The first step may feel overwhelming and can lead to paralysis.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)