Josephine Baker Quotes

To labor in the arts for any reason other than love is prostitution.

The practice of any art demands more than 'mere savoir faire'. One must not only be in love with what one does, one must also know how to make love. In love self is obliterated. Only the beloved counts.

Art is a jealous mistress.

Nothing right can be accomplished in art without enthusiasm.

I once asked a distinguished artist what place he gave to labor in art. "Labor," he in effect said, "is the beginning, the middle, and the end of art." Turning then to another--"And you," I inquired, "what do you consider as the great force in art?" "Love," he replied. In their two answers I found but one truth.

Art is unthinkable without risk and spiritual self-sacrifice.

A life lived for art, is never a life wasted.

When one loves one's Art no service seems too hard.

I have sworn to die painting.

An artist's love for what they create is what creates love.

I'm not the type to turn to drugs and alcohol, but I do have a profound devotion to art and music - and children.

Art is a tyrant. It demands heart, brain, soul, body. The entireness of the votary. Nothing less will win its highest favor. I wed art. It is my husband, my world, my life dream, the air I breathe. I know nothing else, feel nothing else, think nothing else.

I was always an artist. I was a broker to earn a living, but I was always thinking about my art.

Whoever uses the spirit that is in him creatively is an artist. To make living itself an art, that is the goal.

Music has always been a part of me and art in general. I love visual art as well.

When I make a picture, I make love.

I have a desire to create more film, more beauty, more art, more love, but I don't feel desperate. It's not about creating or building a career.

In my previous life, I was an artist. I still paint. I love art.

I decided on the spot that I would be an artist, and I assure you, it was no ordinary artist I had in mind.

The passion for art is, as for believers, very religious. It unites people, its message is of common humanity. Art has become my religion - others pray in church. It's a banality, but you don't possess art, it possesses you. It's like falling in love.

But where there is no art show, I would still be painting.

I originally just wanted to be an artist.

The boyhood dream of becoming a painter stays important to me.

I dreamed of being an artist.

I haven't the slightest idea what art is, but to be a painter is something of which you have to prove.