I didn't have time to be anybody's muse; I was too busy rebelling against my parents and learning to be an artist.

In this quote, Leonora Carrington reflects on her youth and the challenges of balancing external expectations with her personal desire for independence and artistic growth. By saying she didn’t have time to be "anybody’s muse," Carrington expresses her rejection of being viewed as a passive inspiration for others, emphasizing that her focus was on developing her own identity as an artist. Instead of conforming to societal norms or fulfilling someone else's idea of beauty or femininity, she was more concerned with forging her own path and embracing the rebellion that came with it.

The reference to rebelling against her parents sheds light on Carrington’s personal struggles with authority and expectations. As a young woman, she sought to break free from the traditional roles her family or society might have imposed on her, particularly as a woman in the early 20th century. Her desire to learn and define herself as an artist was more important than any external approval or the role of being a muse to others, which she viewed as limiting.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Carrington's own life story. Known for her role in the Surrealist movement, Carrington was often seen as an outsider in the art world, as much of her work defied conventional categories and expectations. Her artistic vision was driven by a deep sense of personal exploration and an intense search for self-expression—traits that are evident in both her art and her life philosophy.

Ultimately, Carrington’s words highlight the importance of self-definition and the struggle to maintain artistic integrity. Instead of being a passive figure in someone else’s narrative, she chose to rebel, learn, and grow on her own terms, ultimately crafting her own unique place in the world of art.