Steve Martin: 'I believe entertainment can aspire to be art, and can become art, but if you set out to make art you're an idiot.'

I believe entertainment can aspire to be art, and can become art, but if you set out to make art you're an idiot.

In his quote, comedian and actor Steve Martin tackles the intriguing relationship between entertainment and art. He suggests that while entertainment has the potential to rise to the level of art and be perceived as such, deliberately setting out to create art can be misguided. This thought-provoking idea challenges common conceptions of what constitutes art and how it is produced. Moreover, it emphasizes the organic and spontaneous nature of true artistic expression.When we first encounter Martin's quote, it appears to be a straightforward observation about the blurred boundaries between entertainment and art. The quote suggests that entertainment can reach a level of sophistication and creativity that transcends its initial purpose of simply providing enjoyment. It implies that there can be depth, complexity, and thought-provoking elements within entertainment that enable it to be perceived as art. This understanding has profound implications for how we view various forms of entertainment, such as films, music, or even stand-up comedy. It encourages us to dig deeper and consider the artistic potential that lies within these seemingly more accessible realms.However, Martin's quote takes an unexpected turn when he asserts that intentionally setting out to create art is foolish. This statement adds complexity to the discussion and enables us to consider the philosophical underpinnings of art itself. Martin seems to suggest that true art arises organically rather than being premeditated or consciously crafted. In this view, art emerges spontaneously from the depths of human creativity and imagination, guided by an implicit understanding of beauty and meaning. It cannot be forced or manufactured through a deliberate and contrived approach.This perspective gives rise to intriguing questions about the nature of art and the creative process. Can we truly create something meaningful by intentionally setting out to make art? Or is art something that emerges naturally from the depths of our being, independent of our conscious aspirations? These questions challenge societal notions of artistry and creativity, which often emphasize deliberate intention and meticulous craftsmanship. They push us to explore the idea that perhaps true artistic expression lies in surrendering to the creative flow, accessing our deepest emotions, and allowing inspiration to guide us.Martin's quote encourages us to reconsider the relationship between entertainment and art. It invites us to see entertainment as more than just a means of passing the time or providing amusement. Instead, it challenges us to recognize the potential for entertainment to transcend its initial purpose and become a vessel for artistic expression. By rejecting the notion of deliberately setting out to create art, Martin reminds us of the importance of authenticity and the spontaneous nature of true artistic endeavor.In conclusion, Steve Martin's quote proffers a thought-provoking perspective on the relationship between entertainment and art. It suggests that entertainment can indeed aspire to be art and can achieve that status through its depth and creative expression. Simultaneously, Martin challenges the traditional view of intentional art-making, arguing that art emerges most powerfully when it is not forced or contrived. This juxtaposition of ideas invites us to rethink our conventional understanding of artistry and emphasizes the significance of authenticity and natural creativity in the pursuit of artistic expression. By grappling with these concepts, we open up new avenues for exploring the interplay between entertainment and art, and the transformative potential they hold.