Marc Chagall
The Quote in Other Words
When I am completing a painting, I use a natural object such as a rock, flower, tree branch, or my own hand to assess its authenticity. If the painting can hold its own next to something that was not created by humans, then it is genuine. If there is a discrepancy between the two, then it is considered poor art.
Explanation of the Quote
This quote speaks to the idea of authenticity in art. The artist uses a natural object as a final test to determine if their painting is authentic. This suggests that the artist is striving to create something that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also true to the natural world. The use of a God-made object emphasizes the importance of nature in art and the need for artists to be in tune with the world around them. The idea of a clash between the painting and the natural object suggests that the painting is not authentic and lacks a connection to the natural world. This quote encourages artists to strive for authenticity in their work and to use nature as a guide in their creative process.