Meaning: The quote by Peter Coyote, an American actor, encapsulates a fundamental aspect of the creative process and the nature of artistic expression. In essence, Coyote is highlighting the idea that artists do not typically engage in prolonged discussions or debates about their artistic ideologies or beliefs. Instead, they discover and solidify their beliefs through the act of creating art. This approach emphasizes the primacy of action and creation in the formation and clarification of an artist's beliefs and artistic identity.

One of the key implications of this quote is that artistic expression is inherently experiential and action-oriented. Rather than getting caught up in theoretical or abstract discussions about their art, artists are more focused on the tangible act of creation. This emphasis on "doing" as a means of understanding and shaping one's artistic beliefs suggests that the process of creating art is deeply intertwined with self-discovery and self-expression. Through the act of creating, artists explore and refine their beliefs, values, and artistic vision, often without the need for explicit verbal articulation or theoretical discourse.

Furthermore, the quote also suggests that the act of creation itself serves as a form of inquiry and exploration for artists. Instead of relying solely on introspection or verbal analysis to understand their artistic motivations and beliefs, artists actively engage with their craft to uncover what they truly believe and value. This hands-on approach to self-discovery and belief formation underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of artistic identity, as artists continuously refine and redefine their artistic convictions through their creative endeavors.

Moreover, the quote reflects the idea that art is inherently linked to action and practice, rather than abstract contemplation. By emphasizing the importance of "doing" in the process of understanding one's artistic beliefs, Coyote highlights the active and dynamic nature of artistic exploration. This perspective aligns with the notion that art is a lived experience, shaped and molded through the artist's active engagement with their chosen medium. Through the act of creating, artists not only express their beliefs and values but also actively shape and refine them, leading to a symbiotic relationship between the artist's creative output and their evolving artistic identity.

In a broader context, Coyote's quote also speaks to the intrinsic connection between art and lived experience. Artists often draw inspiration from their surroundings, experiences, and interactions with the world around them. In this sense, the process of creating art becomes a medium through which artists engage with and make sense of the world, leading to the organic and intuitive development of their artistic beliefs and convictions. This organic process of belief formation through artistic practice underscores the deeply personal and subjective nature of artistic expression, rooted in the artist's unique experiences and perspectives.

In conclusion, Peter Coyote's quote encapsulates the idea that artists primarily discover and solidify their beliefs and artistic identity through the act of creating art. This perspective emphasizes the experiential, action-oriented, and deeply personal nature of artistic expression, highlighting the dynamic and evolving relationship between the artist, their creative output, and their artistic beliefs. By privileging "doing" as a means of understanding and shaping one's artistic convictions, Coyote's quote offers valuable insights into the nature of artistic inquiry, self-discovery, and the lived experience of art.