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About this quote

What does it mean?
Entertainment can become art, but intentionally trying to make art often ruins the effort.
In plain terms
You can make art by accident but trying to do it on purpose makes you look foolish.
What can you take from it?
Art often emerges naturally rather than from forced intention.

Where it applies

  • creative industries
  • artistic critique
  • self-deprecation

Putting it to work

  • focus on craft not labels
  • avoid pretension

Questions to consider

  • Does intention ruin art?
  • Can you plan to be authentic?

Another view

This view oversimplifies the deliberate process behind much great art.

More from Steve Martin

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