Gertrude Stein: 'Picasso once remarked I do not care who it is that has or does influence me as long as it is not myself.'

Picasso once remarked I do not care who it is that has or does influence me as long as it is not myself.

In the world of art, influence is an inevitable force that shapes the trajectory of an artist's creative journey. Gertrude Stein, an influential American writer and art collector, once uttered a thought-provoking quote about influence, as recollected by one of the most renowned artists of all time, Pablo Picasso. He said, "I do not care who it is that has or does influence me as long as it is not myself." This quote encapsulates the essence of an artist's desire to forge their own unique path, detached from the echoes of external inspiration. It emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and individuality in the realm of artistic expression.At first glance, Picasso's words might seem self-contradictory or even dismissive of the rich history of art and the colossal contributions made by countless creative minds. However, upon deeper reflection, his intention becomes clearer. Picasso's remark suggests his eagerness to avoid the pitfalls of imitation and unoriginality. It is not a rejection of the influence of others but a genuine desire to maintain his own distinctive voice. By declaring his independence from his own self as an influence, Picasso acknowledges that he constantly seeks to push the boundaries of his artistic capabilities, exploring new frontiers that others may not have even imagined.One can interpret Picasso's words as a testament to his unrelenting pursuit of artistic growth. By dissociating himself from any influence, even his own, he frees himself from the constraints of preconceived ideas and established norms. This liberation allows him to embark on a creative journey brimming with experimentation and innovation. Picasso's remark resonates as a declaration of his artistic identity, one that is bound by neither time nor place, constantly evolving and defying categorization.While Picasso's quote is undoubtedly compelling on its own, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept to add depth and interest to the article: the notion of the collective unconscious, as explored by Carl Jung. The collective unconscious refers to the reservoir of knowledge and experiences that all humans share, inherited from our ancestors. It encompasses archetypes, symbols, and instincts that arise from the depths of our minds and influence our thoughts, dreams, and creative endeavors.At first, the collective unconscious may appear to contradict Picasso's assertion about individual influence. This depth of shared consciousness could be perceived as an invisible force molding artists' creations, ultimately connecting them to a wider creative lineage. However, upon closer examination, the concept of the collective unconscious does not undermine the essence of Picasso's remark. It merely adds another layer of complexity to the intricate web of artistic influence.Picasso's desire to avoid self-influence aligns with the notion that true creativity stems from the depths of the unconscious. In this perspective, the unconscious becomes an autonomous source of inspiration, separate from the artist's self-awareness. Drawing from the collective unconscious, artists like Picasso tap into a vast reservoir of shared imagery, emotions, and ideas. By distancing himself from the influence of his own self, Picasso allows his unconscious to guide his artistic expressions, unraveling the depths of human experience that lie hidden within.In contrast, the collective unconscious, residing outside the individual artist's control, opens up the possibility of accidentally falling into the shadow of someone else's influence. Picasso's rejection of self-influence acknowledges the need to strive for originality and authenticity, while simultaneously steering clear of the unconscious currents that might subconsciously pull an artist into repetitive patterns or mimicry.In conclusion, Gertrude Stein's recollection of Picasso's remark – "I do not care who it is that has or does influence me as long as it is not myself" – embodies an artist's pursuit of self-discovery and the liberation from the confines of external influences, including the influence of their own past creations. It emphasizes the importance of forging a unique artistic path while striving for authenticity and originality. By introducing the concept of the collective unconscious, we delve into the profound complexities of artistic influence, revealing it as a multi-faceted construct shaped by both individual choices and the potent currents of shared human experience. Picasso's quote serves as an enduring reminder for artists to constantly challenge themselves and transcend the boundaries of their own influence in order to create something truly remarkable.