The artist one day falls through a hole in the brambles, and from that moment he is following the dark rapids of an underground river which may sometimes flow so near to the surface that the laughing picnic parties are heard above.

In this quote, Cyril Connolly describes the artist’s journey as a transformative and often unpredictable process. He compares the artist’s path to falling into a hole in the brambles, symbolizing a moment of discovery or awakening that leads the artist into an unknown and often challenging space. The underground river represents the deeper, subconscious aspects of the artist’s creativity—those hidden and sometimes tumultuous forces that drive their work. The artist’s path is not straightforward; instead, it involves navigating through emotional and intellectual depths that can be both dark and enlightening.

The origin of the quote reflects Connolly’s broader view of art as a complex and often isolating pursuit. Known for his literary work and as a critic, Connolly often explored themes of creativity, intellectualism, and the internal struggles of artists. This quote illustrates his belief that artistic creation is a process that pulls the artist into deeper realms of their own psyche, away from the surface-level distractions of the world, represented by the laughing picnic parties. These distractions symbolize the external world’s trivial pleasures, which seem distant and unimportant compared to the intensity of the artist’s inner journey.

Connolly’s use of the dark rapids metaphor suggests that the artist's creative journey is sometimes turbulent and difficult, yet it is also essential to their growth. The artist’s immersion in these hidden, subconscious realms allows for the creation of truly original and authentic work. The rapids may flow near the surface at times, meaning that the artist is sometimes painfully aware of the external world, yet still deeply immersed in the emotional and intellectual process that defines their creative output.

Ultimately, this quote emphasizes the personal, often isolated nature of the artistic process. Connolly suggests that true artistry comes from exploring the depths of one's inner world, even if that journey feels detached from the ordinary pleasures of everyday life. The artist must confront the darkness and uncertainty of their creative path, ultimately producing work that reflects the richness and complexity of their emotional and intellectual experiences.