Kiki Smith Quotes

Making art is a lot about just seeing what happens if you put some energy into something.

Being in a studio is quite a creative and energetic process.

All this angst, all this stuff we all feel, is just tied to making art. It's so ancient.

Making art is an act of courage. Do you know who said that?

A work-in-progress generates its own energy field. You, the artist or entrepreneur, are pouring love into the work; you are suffusing it with passion and intention and hope.

The word 'art' interests me very much. If it comes from Sanskrit, as I've heard, it signifies 'making.

What's interesting about making art is that you take everything you know about it and you bring it up to that point, and you start making a physical thing that addresses what that is. And when you do it, you don't know anything about it - if it's going to work or not work.

Life is energy, and energy is creativity. And even when individuals pass on, the energy is retained in the work of art, locked in it and awaiting release if only someone will take the time and the care to unlock it.

All great art is the work of the whole living creature, body and soul, and chiefly of the soul.

I've always felt that there's a point where a piece seems to be alive, that is, living. And that's the point where I know the composition is finished.

I'd rather get back to making art than talk about it.

I don't think you can lightly paint a picture. It's an activity I take very seriously.

God has given us an imagination, and our imagination is really the principle tool from which all creativity and artistry comes from.

Every human is an artist. The dream of your life is to make beautiful art.

The creative act amazes me. Whether it's poetry, whether it's music, it's an amazing process, and it has something to do with bringing forth the old out into the world to create and to bring forth that which will rejuvenate.

Making art, good art, is always a struggle. It can make you happy when you pull it off. There's no better feeling. It's beauteous. But it's always about hard work and inspiration and sweat and good ideas.

Being at the genesis of the creative process is definitely something I want to keep doing. It's just such a great buzz.

Creation is a drug I can't do without.

I think it's bad to talk about one's present work, for it spoils something at the root of the creative act. It discharges the tension.

Books and movies are never finished, only surrendered.

I think great art comes from being open and creative with somebody, and of course, if feelings start getting involved in that, it can either make things fantastic or really messy.

Art is never finished, only abandoned.

Creativity is an energy. It's a precious energy, and it's something to be protected. A lot of people take for granted that they're a creative person, but I know from experience, feeling it in myself, it is a magic; it is an energy. And it can't be taken for granted.

Art is not the kind of thing where you get what you put into it all the time. So I learned to not expect anything other than the sort of joy of having a poem in front of me.

When you're not hearing my voice, I'm working on art. So if you're not hearing me, I'm working for the people and getting inspired.