This quote suggests that art is not about the act of creating nor the identity of being an artist, but rather it is about the intention, the vision, and the purpose behind the creation. It’s about having a destination or goal in mind, a concept or feeling you want to express or communicate. The target you’re shooting at could be a particular emotion you want to evoke, a story you want to tell, or an idea you want to explore.

The analogy of aiming and shooting at a target implies precision, focus, and direction. It suggests that art is not random or accidental but requires deliberate thought, planning, and execution. It’s about making choices – about what to include, what to leave out, what perspective to take, what techniques to use – all with the aim of hitting that target.

This quote can also be interpreted as saying that art is not about the artist, but about the audience. The target you’re shooting at could be the viewer’s heart or mind. The goal is not to show off your skills or express your feelings, but to make the viewer feel or think something. In this sense, art is a form of communication, a way of reaching out and touching others.

In today’s world, this idea can be applied in many areas. In business, for example, it’s not about what you do or who you are, but about what value you bring to your customers. Your target is to meet their needs, solve their problems, or make their lives better. In personal development, it’s not about what skills you have or what achievements you’ve made, but about what kind of person you want to become. Your target is your ideal self, the virtues you want to cultivate, or the goals you want to achieve.

In both cases, the key is to have a clear aim, a clear vision of where you want to go or what you want to achieve. And then to take deliberate, focused action towards that aim. This is what gives your actions meaning and purpose. This is what turns them into art.