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About this quote

What does it mean?
Great artists do not merely imitate; they absorb influences and transform them into something uniquely their own.
In plain terms
Instead of copying, make others' work part of your own style.
What can you take from it?
Transform inspiration into original creation.

Where it applies

  • artistic creation
  • learning from masters
  • developing style

Putting it to work

  • study existing works
  • remix ideas
  • develop signature sound

Questions to consider

  • How much influence is too much?
  • When does homage become theft?

Another view

The line between stealing and borrowing can be legally and ethically blurry.

More from Igor Stravinsky

  1. My childhood was a period of waiting for the moment when I could send everyone and everything connected with it to hell.

    Permalink to quote #17

  2. 'Music must be listened to; it is not enough to hear it. A duck hears also.'

    Permalink to quote #16

  3. 'Harpists spend 90% of their time tuning their harps and 10% playing out of tune.'

    Permalink to quote #15

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