Meaning: The quote by Carl Andre, an American minimalist artist, touches on the idea of the repetitive nature of artistic work and the constant striving for perfection. When Andre speaks of "doing it all over again" and "rid[ding] yourself of this dross," he is referring to the process of creating art, which often involves revisiting and refining one's work to eliminate any imperfections or impurities. In this context, "dross" can be understood as the unwanted or inferior elements that need to be removed in order to achieve a desired result.

For artists like Andre, the pursuit of artistic excellence involves a continuous cycle of creation, revision, and refinement. Each artistic endeavor requires a commitment to revisiting and reworking the work to ensure that it aligns with the artist's vision. This sentiment is echoed in Andre's statement that this process may not be perceived as "dross" by those who are not artists or engaged in the pursuit of art, as it is a fundamental part of the artistic journey but may not be as apparent or relevant in other contexts.

The concept of "dross" can also be interpreted more broadly as a metaphor for the challenges and imperfections that artists encounter in their creative process. It encompasses the struggle to transcend the mundane or commonplace and the effort required to elevate one's work to a higher standard. This notion is not exclusive to the realm of visual art but can be applied to various creative disciplines, including writing, music, and performance.

Furthermore, Andre's quote alludes to the idea that the pursuit of artistic excellence involves a level of dedication and discipline that may not be immediately apparent to those outside the artistic community. The repetitive nature of the artistic process, the constant striving for improvement, and the willingness to revisit and refine one's work are emblematic of the commitment and perseverance required to excel in the arts.

In a broader sense, the quote speaks to the universal human experience of striving for perfection and the pursuit of excellence in any endeavor. Whether it is in the creative arts or other aspects of life, the idea of "doing it all over again" to rid oneself of "dross" can be seen as a metaphor for the relentless pursuit of improvement and the ongoing quest for refinement and excellence.

In conclusion, Carl Andre's quote encapsulates the relentless pursuit of artistic perfection and the continuous cycle of creation and refinement that artists undergo in their quest to achieve excellence. It serves as a reminder of the dedication and discipline required to produce exceptional work, as well as the universal human experience of striving for perfection in all aspects of life.