Jackson Pollock

Abstract expressionism

Modern influential 93 sayings

Sayings by Jackson Pollock

I'm just doing my thing.

unknown — Attributed, often cited in biographies
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm not trying to prove anything.

unknown — Attributed, often cited in biographies
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm not a theoretician.

unknown — Attributed, often cited in biographies
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I just want to paint.

unknown — Attributed, often cited in biographies
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm not interested in the 'how' but the 'what'.

unknown — Attributed, often cited in biographies
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm not a philosopher.

unknown — Attributed, often cited in biographies
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm just a painter.

unknown — Attributed, often cited in biographies
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am painting from the subconscious.

1950 — Interview with William Wright
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am nature.

1950 — Response when asked about abstraction in his work
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

When I am in my painting, I'm not aware of what I'm doing.

1947 — Interview about his creative process
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

When I am in my painting, I'm not aware of what I'm doing. It is only after a sort of 'get acquainted' period that I see what I have been about. I have no fears about making changes, destroying the image, etc., because the painting has a life of its own. I try to let it come through. It is only when I lose contact with the painting that the result is a mess. Otherwise there is pure harmony, an easy give and take, and the painting comes out well.

1947 — Statement to Art & Architecture, 'My Painting'
Humorous Unverifiable

It's all in the mind, you know.

c. 1940s — Reported by Lee Krasner, in 'Jackson Pollock: Interviews, Articles, and Reviews'
Humorous Unverifiable

New needs need new techniques.

1947 — Statement to Art & Architecture, 'My Painting'
Humorous Unverifiable

I don't communicate with the audience. I communicate with myself.

c. 1940s — Reported by Lee Krasner, in 'Jackson Pollock: An American Saga'
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm not interested in illustrating my attitude toward nature or anything else. I'm interested in expressing the dark passions of humanity.

c. 1940s — Reported by B.H. Friedman in 'Jackson Pollock: Energy Made Visible'
Humorous Unverifiable

It's not a question of what's true. It's a question of what's interesting.

c. 1940s — Reported by Lee Krasner, in 'Jackson Pollock: Interviews, Articles, and Reviews'
Humorous Unverifiable

I believe the artist's problem is to create a new order of beauty.

c. 1940s — Reported by B.H. Friedman in 'Jackson Pollock: Energy Made Visible'
Humorous Unverifiable

I have no fears about making changes, destroying the image, etc., because the painting has a life of its own.

1947 — Statement to Art & Architecture, 'My Painting'
Humorous Unverifiable

The subconscious is a very important tool for me.

c. 1940s — Reported by B.H. Friedman in 'Jackson Pollock: Energy Made Visible'
Humorous Unverifiable

I try to let the painting come through.

1947 — Statement to Art & Architecture, 'My Painting'
Humorous Unverifiable