Pearls from artists* # 315
*an ongoing series of quotations – mostly from artists, to artists – that offers wisdom, inspiration, and advice for the sometimes lonely road we are on.
A work of art is good if it has sprung from necessity. In this nature of its origin lies the judgment of it: there is no other. Therefore, my dear sir, I know of no advice for you save this: to go into yourself and test the deeps in which your life takes rise; at its source you will find the answer to the question whether you must create. Accept it, just as it sounds, without inquiring into it. Perhaps it will turn out that you are called to be an artist. Then take that destiny upon yourself and bear it, its burden and its greatness, without ever asking what recompense might come from outside. For the creator must be a world unto himself and find everything in himself and in Nature to whom he has attached himself.
Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet, Translated by M.D. Herter Norton
Comments are welcome!
Posted on August 29, 2018, in An Artist's Life, Art in general, Inspiration, Pearls from Artists, Quotes and tagged "Rainer Maria Rilke Letters to a Young Poet translation by M.D. Herter Norton", "The Champ", a world unto himself, advice, burden, called to be an artist, creator, destiny, greatness, judgment, MD Herter Norton, nature, necessity, Rainer Maria Rilke, recompense, soft pastel on sandpaper, work of art, you must create. Bookmark the permalink. Comments Off on Pearls from artists* # 315.