Philip Guston Quotes

Powerful Philip Guston for Daily Growth

About Philip Guston

Philip Guston (Philip Goldstein), born on June 27, 1913, in Montreal, Canada, was a pivotal figure in modern art who made significant contributions to the world of painting. Raised in a Jewish family, he migrated to the United States in 1924, settling in Los Angeles, where his artistic journey began. Guston was deeply influenced by European Modernism and the Abstract Expressionist movement that emerged post-World War II. He studied at the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles before moving to New York City in 1930, where he became part of the vibrant art scene. In 1941, Guston joined the Federal Art Project, a New Deal program providing employment for artists and artisans during the Great Depression. This period marked the beginning of his abstract work, characterized by large-scale, semi-abstract paintings that were deeply influenced by Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism. However, in the late 1960s, Guston experienced a radical shift in his artistic style, moving away from abstraction towards figuration. This change was influenced by societal upheavals, particularly the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement. His later works depicted cartoonish figures and symbols, reflecting his concerns about politics and society. Guston's major works include "The City" (1948), a series of large-scale abstract paintings that represent the chaos and complexity of urban life; "Painting, Smoking, Eating" (1973), one of his most famous figurative works depicting figures in a kitchen setting, symbolizing the domestic and political; and "The Stator" (1976), a monumental work that marked a return to abstraction towards the end of his life. Philip Guston passed away on June 7, 1980, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to influence contemporary art. His life and works serve as a testament to the transformative power of art and the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision, even in the face of adversity.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Art is a way of realizing possibilities."

This quote by artist Philip Guston emphasizes that art serves as a tool to bring forth potentialities, transforming abstract ideas into tangible expressions. It suggests that the creative process not only allows for self-expression but also enables us to explore and actualize our unique abilities, thereby making possible things we may have previously considered impossible in our art or life.

"Painting is a language and like all languages it changes, evolves, and finds new meaning in different contexts."

This quote emphasizes that art, specifically painting, functions as a form of communication similar to spoken or written language. Just like human languages, artistic expressions are not static but dynamic; they change, adapt, and acquire fresh significance in various situations. The process of evolution in painting reflects the artist's growth, cultural shifts, and societal influences. Moreover, the interpretation of art is subjective and context-dependent, allowing it to convey diverse meanings to different viewers over time.

"The more I paint, the less I know about what painting is."

This quote by Philip Guston reflects an artist's ongoing journey of exploration and learning within their craft. As artists create and experiment with different styles, techniques, or mediums, they often discover new dimensions to their art form, which in turn increases their understanding that there is always more to learn about the nature and essence of painting. The quote suggests a humble acknowledgment of the infinite possibilities and complexities inherent within artistic expression, thereby fostering a continuous quest for knowledge and growth.

"The only thing I know is that I paint what I have to paint and then it's done."

This quote suggests that Philip Guston felt a strong, innate compulsion to create art, with no particular agenda or goal other than the expression of his own artistic vision. He saw the act of painting as a personal, essential need, a process in which he surrenders to his creative impulses without worrying about external validation or expectations. Once the painting is completed, it stands on its own merit, marking the end of that particular artistic journey for him. Essentially, Guston viewed art as a means of self-expression and exploration, rather than a tool for achieving specific outcomes or satisfying others.

"I think of a painting as being like an island in the sea. It's got to be self-contained, complete, everything that needs to be there should be there."

This quote by Philip Guston suggests that a painting, as a work of art, should be a self-contained entity, standing alone like an island in a vast sea. The 'island' here symbolizes the artwork itself, which needs to be complete and whole, containing all necessary elements for understanding and appreciation within its boundaries. The 'sea' metaphorically represents the broader context or world that surrounds the art piece. This quote emphasizes Guston's belief in the importance of artistic self-sufficiency and completeness in visual art, with every element playing a crucial role in conveying its intended meaning.

To paint is a possessing rather than a picturing.

- Philip Guston

Art, Rather, Picturing, Possessing

Painting seems like some kind of peculiar miracle that I need to have again and again.

- Philip Guston

Art, Painting, Some, Peculiar

Usually I am on a work for a long stretch, until a moment arrives when the air of the arbitrary vanishes, and the paint falls into positions that feel destined.

- Philip Guston

Work, Paint, Arbitrary, Vanishes

Painting and sculpture are very archaic forms. It's the only thing left in our industrial society where an individual alone can make something with not just his own hands, but brains, imagination, heart maybe.

- Philip Guston

Hands, Maybe, Very, Forms

I don't know what a painting is; who knows what sets off even the desire to paint? It might be things, thoughts, a memory, sensations, which have nothing to do directly with painting itself. They can come from anything and anywhere.

- Philip Guston

Thoughts, Desire, Which, Directly

Look at any inspired painting. It's like a gong sounding; it puts you in a state of reverberation.

- Philip Guston

Painting, Like, Puts, Gong

In my experience a painting is not made with colors and paint at all. I don't know what a painting is; who knows what sets off even the desire to paint?

- Philip Guston

Desire, Made, Sets, Knows

Painting is an illusion, a piece of magic, so what you see is not what you see.

- Philip Guston

Magic, Painting, See, Illusion

The painting is not on a surface, but on a plane which is imagined. It moves in a mind. It is not there physically at all. It is an illusion, a piece of magic, so that what you see is not what you see.

- Philip Guston

Magic, Plane, Which, Illusion

I am a night painter, so when I come into the studio the next morning the delirium is over.

- Philip Guston

Next, Over, Studio, Next Morning

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