In thinking about your question I am reminded of a Joan Didion interview where she explains as a writer that ‘we create with what we have’. Sometimes we wish we had more to create with but at that time we don’t. And so in my small opinion Picasso may well be thinking in similar fashion that all the experiences an artist has accumulated in his life is the material of his art – he may choose to use this material that is his uniquely alone or he may invent without using that material – the risk being the authenticity of his work may not really reflect himself and there is also the risk the art may not connect with the viewer. These are my thoughts and perhaps they might help… or not. regards, Douglas
I agree with everything you said, Douglas, and also think that being conscious of your experiences and it’s many details means more, perhaps, than the quantity of one’s experiences. Meaning, even if you live a sheltered life, it doesn’t necessarily preclude you from being a great artist.
I’m reminded of two examples, just off the top of my head about artists who ‘lived a sheltered life’….. 1.Vemeer – around 30 works, 95% in the same room. 2. Morandi – a lifetime of painting the same 20 or so objects.
M o o r e z a r t 
Interesting quote. I’m not exactly sure what he means, though.
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In thinking about your question I am reminded of a Joan Didion interview where she explains as a writer that ‘we create with what we have’. Sometimes we wish we had more to create with but at that time we don’t. And so in my small opinion Picasso may well be thinking in similar fashion that all the experiences an artist has accumulated in his life is the material of his art – he may choose to use this material that is his uniquely alone or he may invent without using that material – the risk being the authenticity of his work may not really reflect himself and there is also the risk the art may not connect with the viewer. These are my thoughts and perhaps they might help… or not. regards, Douglas
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I agree with everything you said, Douglas, and also think that being conscious of your experiences and it’s many details means more, perhaps, than the quantity of one’s experiences. Meaning, even if you live a sheltered life, it doesn’t necessarily preclude you from being a great artist.
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I’m reminded of two examples, just off the top of my head about artists who ‘lived a sheltered life’….. 1.Vemeer – around 30 works, 95% in the same room. 2. Morandi – a lifetime of painting the same 20 or so objects.
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Thanks, Douglas for that info. 🙏🏻🙂
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Very true.
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Yes, I too thought it would well apply to others – something in experience carrying over into expression.
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This is true for writers and poets as well.
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