A lot of my stuff just wasn't saleable. I still don't do private or corporate commissions. It becomes like interior design. I don't enjoy it. The process makes me feel physically sick.

In this quote, Cornelia Parker, a British artist known for her innovative and often provocative works, reflects on the tension between artistic integrity and the commercial aspects of the art world. She admits that much of her work was not saleable, suggesting that it did not fit into the marketable or commercially popular categories of art. Parker expresses her discomfort with the idea of creating art for private or corporate commissions, as it turns the creative process into something more akin to interior design, where the primary concern is aligning the work with specific client desires or market trends, rather than personal expression.

Parker’s statement reveals her deep commitment to artistic freedom and authenticity. She implies that working under commercial pressure, where the artwork must fit certain criteria or appeal to specific tastes, is a process that does not resonate with her creative spirit. Instead, she feels physically sick at the thought of art being reduced to something functional or decorative, rather than an exploration of ideas and self-expression. For Parker, the act of creating art should remain a personal, uninhibited process, free from the constraints of external expectations.

The origin of this quote stems from Parker’s long-standing philosophy about the relationship between art and commerce. Known for her works that often involve themes of transformation, destruction, and the exploration of materials and meaning, Parker has consistently expressed her discomfort with the commercialization of art. Her avoidance of private or corporate commissions reflects a desire to keep her work true to her personal vision, rather than bending to the demands of the art market.

Ultimately, Parker’s words serve as a critique of how the art world often prioritizes marketability over artistic expression. Her aversion to creating commissioned works highlights her belief that art should not be dictated by external expectations or financial incentives. Instead, it should remain a deeply personal and reflective process, driven by the artist's own interests and passions, rather than the pressures of the commercial art world.