You don't have to be Picasso or Rembrandt to create something. The fun of it, the joy of creating, is way high above anything else to do with the art form.
Chick Corea’s quote celebrates the joy of creating as the most important aspect of making art, regardless of skill level or fame. When he says, “You don’t have to be Picasso or Rembrandt,” he’s reminding us that artistic expression is not reserved for masters or legends. Anyone can take part in creativity, and the process itself holds more value than achieving recognition or perfection.
As a legendary jazz pianist and composer, Corea was known for his adventurous spirit and willingness to experiment. His music often blended genres and pushed boundaries, reflecting his belief in the freedom of artistic expression. This quote stems from his view that the true reward of art is not in acclaim or technical brilliance, but in the personal satisfaction and playfulness it brings to the creator.
By emphasizing “the fun of it” and placing it “way high above anything else,” Corea centers the emotional experience of making art. Whether it's painting, playing music, or writing, the act of creating can be a source of joy, release, and self-discovery. It’s not about comparison or reaching an elite level—it’s about embracing the moment and letting the creative energy flow.
Ultimately, Corea’s quote is an invitation to approach art with openness and passion, not fear or self-doubt. He encourages everyone to participate in the creative process, reminding us that the simple act of making something is valuable in itself. In this way, art becomes not just a product, but a joyful, deeply human experience.
NSDoan Ngoc Son
I really resonate with this quote, especially as someone who enjoys making music but isn’t trained. But I wonder—why is it so hard for adults to embrace this kind of creative freedom? Kids naturally create without judging themselves, but somewhere along the way, we learn to shut that down. How can we unlearn that fear and get back to creating just because it feels good?
PLDang Phuong Linh
This perspective is beautiful, but I can’t help wondering how it fits into a professional context. For those making a living in the arts, can that pure joy of creating survive the pressures of deadlines, reviews, and commercial demands? Is it possible to hold on to that sense of fun while also navigating the realities of the industry?
NDNguyen Duc
Corea’s quote makes me think about how often people compare their work to the greats and end up discouraged. Why do we internalize this idea that unless something’s masterpiece-level, it’s not worth doing? I think there’s something deeply freeing in letting go of that need for validation and just focusing on the joy of the process. Isn’t that the real heart of any artistic endeavor?
TTPhan Ty Ty
I love this sentiment because it puts the emphasis back on the experience of creating rather than the result. But do you think the art world, or even the education system, encourages this kind of thinking enough? So much of what we learn is about skill development, grades, and critique. What if we taught creativity like we teach recess—something everyone gets to enjoy without pressure?
BQDuong Bui Quynh
This quote really speaks to the value of creativity for its own sake, but I wonder—why do so many people still feel intimidated to make art if they aren’t 'good' at it? Is our culture too focused on talent and outcome instead of process and play? Maybe if more people embraced this mindset, we’d have a lot less fear around self-expression and more joy in just making things.