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About this quote

What does it mean?
Degas admits isolation is necessary for art but costs him connection with loved ones.
In plain terms
Painting requires isolation which hurts relationships.
What can you take from it?
Artistic focus demands personal sacrifice.

Where it applies

  • creative work
  • social life

Putting it to work

  • set boundaries
  • accept tradeoffs

Questions to consider

  • What sacrifice is too high?
  • Can art and life balance?

Another view

Artists can maintain social ties while working.

More from Edgar Degas

  1. I feel as a horse must feel when the beautiful cup is given to the jockey.

    Permalink to quote #48
  2. If painting weren't so difficult, it wouldn't be fun.

    Permalink to quote #50
  3. How awful it is not being able to see clearly any more! I have had to give up drawing and painting and for years now content myself with sculpture ... But if m…

    Permalink to quote #47

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