“I try to make work about things that matter.” — Kerry James Marshall Quote

“I try to make work about things that matter.”

“A close friend of mine described me as a radical pragmatist. I embrace this no-nonsense distinction wholeheartedly. It is a character trait that matches the sense of myself I've had from as far back as I can remember. I am not one who goes in much for magical thinking. I don't believe in destiny, fate, or things like divine guidance, either.”

“To me, if there is any sort of value added to the accumulation of knowledge over time, then the work of artists should be a reflection of that accumulated value, accumulated knowledge. You have to demonstrate that you have the sophistication to put that into play in the work you're making.”

“He who seeks rest finds boredom. He who seeks work finds rest.”

“When work is a pleasure, life is a joy! When work is a duty, life is slavery.”

“Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard.”