Meaning: The quote "I like to draw and paint. It is a river to me." by John Lurie, an actor, musician, and painter, encapsulates the profound and personal connection that artists often feel towards their creative pursuits. In just a few words, Lurie beautifully captures the essence of how art can be a source of constant inspiration, nourishment, and flow in an artist's life.

For many artists, the act of drawing and painting is not merely a hobby or a skill, but a fundamental part of their identity and a way of experiencing the world. When Lurie describes it as a river, he may be alluding to the sense of fluidity, movement, and continuity that art brings into his life. Like a river, art can be both a gentle, meandering stream and a powerful, unstoppable force, guiding the artist through different emotional landscapes and creative journeys.

Moreover, the comparison to a river also suggests that art is a source of sustenance and renewal for Lurie. Just as a river provides water and life to the surrounding land, art nourishes his soul and provides him with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. The act of drawing and painting becomes a vital, life-giving force that sustains him through the ebb and flow of everyday existence.

Lurie's use of the word "river" may also reflect the ever-changing nature of artistic expression. Like a river that constantly evolves and adapts to its surroundings, art is a dynamic and evolving practice for Lurie. It is not static or predictable but rather a living, breathing entity that reflects his growth, experiences, and emotions. This fluidity allows him to explore new techniques, styles, and themes, ensuring that his artistic journey remains fresh and engaging.

In addition, the quote hints at the deep emotional and spiritual significance that art holds for Lurie. By likening drawing and painting to a river, he suggests that it is a source of solace, introspection, and connection to something greater than himself. Just as a river can evoke feelings of tranquility, wonder, and awe, art serves as a conduit for Lurie to tap into his innermost thoughts and feelings, as well as to connect with the universal currents of creativity and human experience.

Lurie's words also highlight the meditative and immersive nature of artistic creation. When he describes drawing and painting as a river, he may be alluding to the state of flow that artists often experience when fully engrossed in their work. In this state, time seems to stand still, and the artist is completely absorbed in the act of creation, as if carried along by the current of their own creativity.

Overall, Lurie's quote eloquently captures the profound significance of art in his life, portraying it as a vital, ever-changing, and deeply nourishing force. Through his simple yet evocative comparison to a river, he invites us to contemplate the transformative power of artistic expression and the ways in which it can sustain, inspire, and enrich the human spirit.