Meaning: This quote by Josef Albers, a renowned artist and educator, highlights the societal perception of art as a risky and unstable profession compared to the traditional and secure career path of teaching. Josef Albers was a German-born American artist and educator who played a significant role in the development of abstract art and modern art education. He is best known for his series of paintings and prints titled "Homage to the Square," which explored the use of color and form within a strict geometric structure.

In this quote, Albers reflects on the pressure and expectations placed on him by his family regarding his career choice. The notion of safety and risk is central to his words, as he acknowledges that his family viewed teaching as a safe and reliable profession, while pursuing a career as a painter was considered terrible, implying it was seen as uncertain and potentially precarious.

During the time when Albers was making this statement, the societal perception of art and artists was often shaped by conventional attitudes that favored stable and conventional careers over the uncertainties of pursuing artistic endeavors. This attitude was particularly prevalent in the early to mid-20th century when Albers was establishing his career.

The quote also sheds light on the broader challenges faced by artists in asserting their chosen career paths in the face of societal norms and expectations. The pressure to conform to traditional and secure professions was and continues to be a common experience for many artists. These pressures can stem from family, peers, and society at large, contributing to a perception that artistic pursuits are impractical or unstable.

Albers' own life and career trajectory exemplify the struggle and perseverance often required of artists who choose to pursue their passion despite societal pressures. After initially training as an art teacher, Albers went on to become a key figure in the Bauhaus movement, an influential art and design school in Germany. This experience not only shaped his artistic practice but also laid the foundation for his later career as an educator.

As an educator, Albers made significant contributions to the field of art education, particularly during his tenure at Black Mountain College and later at Yale University. His innovative approach to teaching art emphasized experimentation, the understanding of color theory, and the importance of perception. Through his teaching and writing, Albers sought to challenge traditional methods of art education, advocating for a more holistic and experiential approach to artistic practice.

In the context of Albers' career and the broader societal attitudes towards art and teaching, this quote serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles and challenges that artists face in pursuing their chosen paths. It also underscores the importance of questioning and challenging societal norms regarding career choices, particularly in the creative fields.

In conclusion, Josef Albers' quote encapsulates the tension between societal expectations of stability and the pursuit of artistic passion. His own experiences as an artist and educator provide valuable insights into the complexities of navigating career choices in the creative realm. This quote serves as a timeless reflection on the challenges and perceptions that artists continue to grapple with as they carve out their paths in the world of art and creativity.