There’s a reason the image of the starving artist has been so firmly imprinted on the popular imaginary: it’s really, really hard to eke out a living making art. Nevertheless, the world’s galleries and museum are filled with the work of people who did (or are trying to do) just that, and we’re all the better for it. If you’re one of those starry-eyed creatives looking to join their ranks, these bon mots from Phaidon’s new collection of advice, opinions, and anecdotes from history’s most influential artists Art Is the Highest Form of Hope should help guide your efforts. Your new mantra awaits.
Yoko Ono, on suffering
Yoko Ono
Walker Evans, on MFA alternatives
Walker Evans
Anish Kapoor, on planning for the future
Anish Kapoor
Jane Hammond, on day jobs
Jane Hammond
Chuck Close, on making work
Chuck Close
Wolfgang Tillmans, on work ethic
Wolfgang Tillmans
Salvador Dalí, on accidents
Salvador Dalí
Andrea Zittel, on failing again, and again, and again
Andrea Zittel
Pablo Picasso, on mid-career hazards
Pablo Picasso
Carol Bove, on cashing-in (or not)
Carol Bove
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