Single Idea 23903

[catalogued under 21. Aesthetics / C. Artistic Issues / 1. Artistic Intentions]

Full Idea

It is impossible to admire a work of art without thinking oneself, in a way, its creator and without, in a sense, becoming so.

Gist of Idea

When we admire a work, we see ourselves as its creator

Source

Simone Weil (Letters [1940], 1940-03c)

Book Reference

Weil,Simone: 'Seventy Letters' [Wipf & Stock 2015], p.125


A Reaction

This rings true for me. You almost see yourself making the brush strokes, or writing the phrase, or penning the chords. It is engagment which is essential for artistic experience. So all art lovers want to be artists?