Meaning: Maya Lin, an American architect and artist, is best known for her design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Her quote, "In art or architecture your project is only done when you say it's done. If you want to rip it apart at the eleventh hour and start all over again, you never finish. I was one of those crazy creatures," encapsulates the complex and often emotional journey of creation and completion in the fields of art and architecture.

This quote speaks to the deeply personal and subjective nature of artistic and architectural endeavors. The idea that a project is only considered finished when the creator deems it so highlights the autonomy and authority that artists and architects hold over their own work. It emphasizes the importance of individual vision and the artist's or architect's personal satisfaction in determining the completion of a project. This notion of personal agency in deciding when a work is finished underlines the deeply personal and emotional investment that artists and architects have in their creations.

The second part of the quote, "If you want to rip it apart at the eleventh hour and start all over again, you never finish," delves into the notion of perfectionism and the relentless pursuit of excellence that often characterizes artistic and architectural endeavors. Maya Lin acknowledges her own experience as a "crazy creature," alluding to the intense passion and dedication that can drive creators to continuously strive for perfection, even at the risk of never reaching a definitive endpoint. This aspect of the quote sheds light on the internal struggle and self-imposed standards that artists and architects may grapple with in their pursuit of creating something truly exceptional.

Maya Lin's words also touch upon the concept of artistic and architectural evolution. The willingness to "rip it apart at the eleventh hour and start all over again" reflects a commitment to growth and improvement, recognizing that the creative process is inherently iterative and that the pursuit of excellence often involves revisiting and revising one's work. This speaks to the dynamic and evolving nature of artistic and architectural endeavors, where the idea of "completion" is not necessarily a fixed endpoint but rather a culmination of a particular phase in the creative journey.

Furthermore, Maya Lin's quote offers insight into the emotional and psychological aspects of creative work. The language she uses, such as "crazy creatures," conveys the intense emotional investment and personal turmoil that can accompany the creative process. It acknowledges the internal struggles, self-doubt, and perfectionist tendencies that many artists and architects face as they navigate the delicate balance between satisfaction and the pursuit of perfection in their work.

In conclusion, Maya Lin's quote encapsulates the deeply personal, emotional, and complex nature of artistic and architectural endeavors. It highlights the autonomy and authority of the creator in determining the completion of a project, while also shedding light on the internal struggles and relentless pursuit of excellence that often characterize the creative process. Through her words, Maya Lin invites us to contemplate the intricate and multifaceted journey of creation and completion in the realms of art and architecture.