An artist cannot speak about his art any more than a plant can discuss horticulture
This quote suggests that the essence of art is beyond verbal articulation. Just as a plant, despite being the subject of horticulture, cannot explain the science behind its growth, an artist may not be able to fully articulate the depth and nuances of their own art. The creative process is often intuitive and subconscious, driven by feelings and experiences that can’t always be put into words.
The quote also implies that the act of creation and the analysis of that creation are two separate realms. The artist is immersed in the act of creation, while the analysis is often left to critics, scholars, or the audience. The artist creates from a place of emotion, instinct, and personal expression, while analysis involves rationality, logic, and objectivity.
In today’s world, this idea can be applied to various fields beyond art. For instance, in business, an entrepreneur might have an intuitive sense for what will work but may struggle to explain it in business terms. Similarly, a scientist might make a discovery based on instinct and intuition, but the explanation of that discovery in scientific terms might be a separate process.
In terms of personal development, this quote suggests the importance of trusting your intuition and not always needing to rationalize or explain your actions or feelings. It encourages embracing the mystery and unpredictability of life and creativity. It also underscores the fact that self-expression and self-understanding are not always the same thing. You might not fully understand every aspect of yourself, but you can still express it through your actions and creations.
