Andrew Wyeth: 'Artists today think of everything they do as a work of art. It is important to forget about what you are doing - then a work of art may happen.'

Artists today think of everything they do as a work of art. It is important to forget about what you are doing - then a work of art may happen.

In the world of art, Andrew Wyeth's quote, "Artists today think of everything they do as a work of art. It is important to forget about what you are doing - then a work of art may happen," holds great significance. At first glance, this quote can be understood to highlight the need for artists to immerse themselves completely in their creative process without the burden of conscious intentionality. However, when we dig deeper, an unexpected philosophical concept emerges - the idea that true art arises when we let go of the notion of creating art altogether.On the surface, Wyeth's quote emphasizes the mindset of contemporary artists who approach their every action, thought, and creation as an artistic endeavor. In today's world, individuals in various fields strive to infuse their work with creativity and expressiveness, blurring the boundaries between art and other disciplines. This mindset promotes an elevated sense of awareness and intentionality in the creative process, as artists embrace the idea that everything they do can be viewed as a potential masterpiece.Yet, Wyeth's quote takes a surprising turn when he suggests that it is essential for artists to forget about what they are doing. This seemingly contradictory statement points to a profound paradox within the artistic realm. It implies that when an artist becomes too consumed with the idea of creating art, their work may lose its authenticity and true artistic essence. When artists are constantly preoccupied with the final product or the perception of their own work as art, they may inadvertently stifle their creative impulses and limit their ability to tap into something greater.To grasp the underlying meaning of this quote, we can explore the notion of "flow" or being "in the zone." Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi defines flow as a state of complete absorption and focused immersion in an activity. It is a mental state where individuals effortlessly lose track of time, lose self-consciousness, and experience a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. Flow is often associated with heightened creativity and optimal performance across various fields, including art.When artists strive to forget about what they are doing, they can enter a state of flow where their actions become instinctive and spontaneous. This inner absorption frees them from the constraints of conscious deliberation, allowing their true artistic voice to emerge. By relinquishing control and surrendering to their creative intuition, artists open themselves to a realm of pure expression, unencumbered by self-consciousness or the desire for external validation.On the other hand, when artists become fixated on the notion of creating art, they may find themselves trapped within self-imposed boundaries and expectations. The pressure to produce something deemed worthy of admiration or recognition can lead to a stifling of creativity and a narrowing of artistic vision. By constantly perceiving everything they do as a work of art, artists may subject their creative process to undue scrutiny, self-censorship, and self-doubt.In contrast, by embracing the idea of forgetting about what they are doing, artists can transcend the confines of self-imposed limitations and allow their creative intuition to guide them. This liberation facilitates a deeper connection with their chosen medium and a more authentic expression of their innermost thoughts and emotions. In this state of surrender, true masterpieces can be born, unadulterated by the conscious desire for artistic perfection or acclaim.Ultimately, Andrew Wyeth's quote encapsulates the delicate interplay between intentional creation and the spontaneous emergence of art. While it is essential for artists to approach their work with purpose and vision, it is equally vital for them to relinquish control and "forget" in order to create something truly extraordinary. By immersing themselves fully in the act of creation, without the burden of conscious intentions, artists can tap into a wellspring of creativity that transcends traditional boundaries and gives rise to true works of art.