Louise Nevelson was an American sculptor known for her monumental, wooden wall pieces and outdoor sculptures. She emigrated with her family to the United States in the early 20th century. By the early 1930s she was attending art classes at the Art Students League of New York, and in 1941 she had her first solo exhibition. Nevelson first gained recognition for her sculpture in the early 1940s, and her works were all found object pieces of varying materials.
Louise Nevelson was born Leah Berliawsky in Pereiaslav-Khmelnytskyi, Russia. In 1905, her family immigrated to Rockland, Maine. A figure in the international art scene, Nevelson was showcased at the 31st Venice Biennale. One unique feature of her work is that her figures are often painted in monochromatic black or white. Nevelson remains one of the most important figures in the 20th-century American sculpture scene.
1 True strength is delicate. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
True strength is never brutal. It is delicate and compassionate. True strength knows when to be brutal and when to be compassionate. And strength itself is delicate since the power that comes with it can always shift from one person to another.
2 The very nature of creation is not a performing glory on the outside, it’s a painful, difficult search within. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
No matter how much one glorifies the process of making art, the truth is that it is never as pretty as it may seem on the outside. It is a painful and introspective procedure. You have to search within yourself, confront your ideals and shift your perspectives, so much so that it may seem tiring and nearly impossible.
3 I think most artists create out of despair. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
The best art is that which comes from a place of despair. From Sylvia Plath to Charles Bukowski to Vincent Van Gogh, the best of their art always emerged from pain and sorrow.
4 I have made my world and it is a much better world than I ever saw outside. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
Care not for how the world is in reality. Use all your strength to make a world for yourself, in the confines of your mind where you can find peace and comfort in. If the world doesn’t seem fair, make a better one for yourself.
5 When you put things together, things that other people have thrown out, you’re really bringing them to life. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
Everything has a value in this world. Nothing ever goes to waste. Everything that people discard can still be made into something new. And when you do, it can emerge more beautiful than when you initially found it.
6 I only know this; that you can’t give advice to an artist. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
Every artist has his own opinions and perspectives. To hope to give them advice is foolish. They know what they want to make and how it should turn out in the end, and no matter how much you try, they’ll only do it the way they want to.
7 Character is the architect of the being. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
Your character and personality are the most paramount part of your being. People notice your character, and if you do not have integrity, you’ll crumble in the face of overwhelming obstacles that life will most definitely throw at you.
8 I think all great innovations are built on rejections. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
All great innovations were always first laughed at. Innovations are often way ahead of their time and short-sighted people often fail to recognize it’s true potential.
9 I have lived, I have been fulfilled, I recognized what I had, and I never sold it short, And I ain’t through yet. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
A fate worse than death is a life of regrets. Do what you want to do. Listen to that tiny little voice within you that tries to lead you. And never do less than what you can. Give it your all, and do not stop even if you reach the top for there’s always higher you can aim for.
10 Who is an artist? I say we take a title, No one gives it to us, We make our lives. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
Art is subjective. And being an artist is not a title that someone can randomly force upon you. It is something that you earn for yourself. It is something that transcends petty human yearnings and aims to attain something higher.
11 I’ve taught, and the first thing I did when I taught art, was not to teach art. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
You cannot teach art. Art isn’t about techniques and lessons that someone else tells you. It is a journey that you have to undertake yourself. It is something that comes from within and with practice.
12 It’s a hell of a thing to be born, and if you’re born you’re at least entitled to your own self. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
No one should have a say in what your life should be like. Decide by yourself as to what your life should be like. Do not let anyone else make decisions for you.
13 I never feel age, If you have creative work, you don’t have age or time. -Louise Bewliaskwy Nevelson
Art is timeless. When you are genuinely passionate about what you do, you will not feel the burden of time and age slow you down. Art fills you with a timeless passion that goes beyond human limits and cultural boundaries.
13 Best Louise Nevelson Quotes About Art and Life Post author
1. True strength is delicate. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
2. The very nature of creation is not a performing glory on the outside, it’s a painful, difficult search within. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
3. I think most artists create out of despair. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
4. I have made my world and it is a much better world than I ever saw outside. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
5. When you put things together, things that other people have thrown out, you’re really bringing them to life. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
6. I only know this; that you can’t give advice to an artist. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
7. Character is the architect of the being. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
8. I think all great innovations are built on rejections. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
9. I have lived, I have been fulfilled, I recognized what I had, and I never sold it short, And I ain’t through yet. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
10. Who is an artist? I say we take a title, No one gives it to us, We make our lives. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
11. I’ve taught, and the first thing I did when I taught art, was not to teach art. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
12. It’s a hell of a thing to be born, and if you’re born you’re at least entitled to your own self. -Louise Berliawsky Nevelson
13. I never feel age, If you have creative work, you don’t have age or time. -Louise Bewliaskwy Nevelson