Paul Cézanne
I think I respond to the humility in this quote. So often, artists have the need to break free; to boldly go where no other has gone before; and to somehow prove themselves to be unique and original.
Whilst I fully support the notion that we need to do our own unique work, that nobody but ourselves can do what we do, and that we can only do what we do, I really like the idea that this is not about individuals starring in their own show; rather we are about building on what has gone before; and building a platform for what may come after.
We are all links, this way and that. A bit like the internet with connections spanning across centuries, and the world. My work despite being mine; has been influenced and/or inspired by others who have worked with words, and books, and soft palettes, and letterpress, and lovely papers and threads, and...
That said, my work will possibly go on to influence or encourage or inspire others - when people respond positively to your work it probably means they have taken a little nugget of it into their mind, and who knows how that might appear down the track?
We are all linked, we are all connected, and so too is our art.
I enjoyed this post so much, thank you. Considering ourselves, our work, as a link to the past and letting go of the thinking that what we create must be original in every way is not just stressful, it's limiting. I have been guilty of that feeling from time to time and its been paralyzing - this is a very helpful reminder that we are all connected in our creativity and that it is a positive thing and one to be embraced.
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