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About this quote

What does it mean?
The artist prioritizes expressing inner feelings or ideas over technical perfection or realism.
In plain terms
His main goal is to express himself.
What can you take from it?
Focus on conveying your true self in your work.

Where it applies

  • creative blocks
  • artistic direction
  • personal projects

Putting it to work

  • prioritize emotion over technique
  • reflect on why you create

Questions to consider

  • What do you want your work to say?
  • Is expression more important than skill?

Another view

Some artistic goals like technical skill or utility may matter more than expression.

More from Henri Matisse

  1. The artist begins with a vision - a creative operation requiring effort. Creativity takes courage.

    Permalink to quote #13
  2. Expression for me does not reside in passions glowing in a human face or manifested by violent movement. The entire arrangement of my picture is expressive; th…

    Permalink to quote #15
  3. I have been no more than a medium, as it were.

    Permalink to quote #12

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