To me, art begets art. Painting feeds the eye just as poetry
To me, art begets art. Painting feeds the eye just as poetry feeds the ear, which is to say that both feed the soul.
Hear, O lovers of beauty, the words of Susan Vreeland, who declared: “To me, art begets art. Painting feeds the eye just as poetry feeds the ear, which is to say that both feed the soul.” These words shine like a lamp upon the truth that creation is a circle, a river that nourishes itself endlessly. For art is not separate works scattered across time, but one living flame passed from hand to hand, from voice to canvas, from brush to word, from silence to song.
To say art begets art is to proclaim that one creation inspires another. A painting may awaken a poem, a poem may awaken a melody, a melody may awaken a sculpture, and all of these together may awaken the silent song within another human being. Thus the creative spirit multiplies itself, as the flame of one candle lights another without diminishing its own light. Vreeland reminds us that art is not stagnant—it is ever-generative, birthing new forms, new visions, new souls awakened to their own calling.
The great artists of history bear witness to this truth. Was it not Dante’s Divine Comedy that stirred countless painters to depict the realms of heaven and hell? Was it not Shakespeare’s words that gave rise to operas, paintings, and symphonies across centuries? And in more recent times, was it not Van Gogh’s painting of “The Starry Night” that inspired countless poets to put into verse the same whirl of eternal skies? This is the cycle Vreeland speaks of: art begets art, for each expression becomes seed for another.
Consider the story of Goethe, who wrote his Faust, a tale of yearning and struggle. The words themselves were poetry, but they did not remain bound to the page. They inspired composers like Gounod and Berlioz to create music, they inspired painters to capture Mephistopheles’ sinister charm, they inspired philosophers to reflect upon man’s eternal thirst for meaning. Out of one voice, a chorus arose; out of one seed, a forest grew. This is how art feeds not only eye and ear, but the eternal soul of humanity.
And yet, Vreeland reminds us that the nourishment of art is not mere pleasure. A painting feeds the eye not simply with colors, but with vision. A poem feeds the ear not only with rhythm, but with meaning. Both feed the soul, which hungers not for bread alone but for beauty, for wonder, for that touch of eternity which art alone can offer. Without art, the soul dries and hardens; with it, the soul flows and grows. Just as the body withers without food, so too the inner being withers without beauty.
Therefore, O seekers, do not separate one form of art from another. If you are a painter, read poetry. If you are a poet, gaze upon paintings. If you are neither, still partake of both, for in them your own hidden creativity will be nourished. Perhaps you will not write verses nor lift a brush, yet your spirit will be kindled, your compassion deepened, your vision widened. For to feed the soul with beauty is to prepare it for greater acts of kindness, courage, and wisdom.
Practical is this teaching: visit galleries not only with your eyes but with your heart. Read a poem aloud, and let it echo within your being. Keep a journal where you respond to the art you see and hear—not to judge it, but to let it beget new stirrings within you. And most of all, allow yourself to create, without fear or comparison. For even the humblest sketch or verse is part of the great river of creation.
Thus remember Susan Vreeland’s words: art begets art, and every act of beauty feeds the eternal within us. To neglect art is to starve the soul; to embrace it is to walk in abundance. Let each of us, then, live as both creators and receivers of beauty, so that the flame may never die, and the soul of humanity may continue to shine, brighter and brighter, through every age.
GKpham gia khai
This quote really makes me think about the power of art to influence our inner world. It’s almost as if the act of experiencing art creates a feedback loop, where one piece inspires the next. But does that mean art is limitless in its potential to enrich us? Or do we eventually become desensitized to its impact after consuming too much? Is there a balance we need to strike in our relationship with art to avoid over-saturation?
Ttininguyen
I think Vreeland’s quote speaks to the interconnectedness of all forms of art. The way she describes art feeding the soul makes it clear that creativity is something essential to our being. But what about those who don’t connect with traditional forms of art like painting or poetry? Can modern art, music, or other creative expressions achieve the same nourishing effect on the soul? How do we open ourselves to art in all its forms?
KDKhanh Duy
The notion that painting feeds the eye and poetry feeds the ear makes me think about how our senses interact with art. It’s interesting how each form of art has its own way of engaging with us, yet they all contribute to a deeper connection with the world around us. Does that mean that all forms of art are essential for nurturing the soul, or are some more powerful than others in doing so?
LLinh
Vreeland’s perspective on art as something that nourishes the soul resonates with me deeply. It’s almost as if every piece of art—whether visual or literary—opens a door to something greater within us. But is this experience universal? Do we all feel the same way when we encounter art, or is the effect on the soul unique to each person’s life experiences? How do we cultivate the sensitivity to fully appreciate art’s impact?
DDocaophuc
I love the idea that art begets art, suggesting that one form of creative expression can inspire and enhance another. Vreeland’s comparison of painting feeding the eye and poetry feeding the ear is such a beautiful way of describing how different art forms connect with us. But does this mean that some forms of art speak more to certain people than others? Can someone truly appreciate all art, or are there particular forms that resonate more deeply depending on who we are?