All that seems like error is not error; and it all has to be done. That which seems like a false step is the next step.
AGNES MARTINAll that seems like error is not error; and it all has to be done. That which seems like a false step is the next step.
AGNES MARTINHappiness is being on the beam with life – to feel the pull of life
AGNES MARTINIt’s through discipline and tremendous disappointment and failure that you arrive at what it is you must paint.
AGNES MARTINThe enormous pitfall is devotion to oneself instead of to life. All works that are self-devoted are absolutely ineffective.
AGNES MARTINThey are immeasurable, completely lacking in substance. They are perfect and sublime. This is the subject matter of art.
AGNES MARTINDoing what you were born to do … That’s the way to be happy.
AGNES MARTINThere’s not any hint of nature. And still everybody responds, I think.
AGNES MARTINNature is like parting a curtain, you go into it …. as you would cross an empty beach to look at the ocean.
AGNES MARTINThat which takes us by surprise-moments of happiness-that is inspiration.
AGNES MARTINI want to say that they are not what they seem to be. I want to say that all that seems like fantastic mistakes are not mistake.
AGNES MARTINA definition of art is that it makes concrete our most subtle emotions. I think the highest form of art is music. It’s the most abstract of all art expression.
AGNES MARTINI think everyone sees beauty. Art is a way to respond
AGNES MARTINThe adventurous state of mind is a high house… The joy of adventure is unaccountable.
AGNES MARTINI would like my work to be recognized as being in the classical tradition (Coptic, Egyptian, Greek, Chinese), as representing the Ideal in the mind. Classical art cannot possibly be eclectic.
AGNES MARTINI used to meditate until I learned to stop thinking.
AGNES MARTINWhen I think of art I think of beauty. Beauty is the mystery of life. It is not in the eye it is in the mind. In our minds there is awareness of perfection.
AGNES MARTIN