Meaning: This quote by poet David Antin reflects on the relationship between the artist and the audience. Antin suggests that he is conscious of his audience and attempts to interact with them while engaging in the creative process of thinking. This interaction with the audience is seen as a source of assistance and a means of focusing his thoughts. This quote touches upon the dynamic and often symbiotic relationship between the artist and their audience, as well as the role of engagement and interaction in the creative process.

David Antin was an influential American poet, performance artist, and art critic known for his innovative approach to poetry and his exploration of language and storytelling. Throughout his career, Antin examined the intersections of spoken language, narrative, and performance, often engaging in improvised storytelling performances that challenged traditional notions of poetry and literature. His work often blurred the boundaries between poetry, storytelling, and conversation, inviting audiences to actively participate in the creation and interpretation of his art.

In the quote, Antin acknowledges the presence of his audience and the impact they have on his creative process. He suggests that being aware of the audience's presence influences his thinking and provides a focus for his creative endeavors. This awareness of the audience can be interpreted as a form of responsiveness and engagement, as Antin navigates the act of thinking and creating within the context of an audience's presence. This engagement with the audience reflects a recognition of their role in shaping and influencing the creative work, suggesting that the audience is not merely a passive observer but an active participant in the artistic process.

Antin's emphasis on engaging with the audience while pursuing his creative activities speaks to the idea of art as a collaborative and interactive experience. By acknowledging the audience as a source of influence and focus, Antin highlights the reciprocal relationship between the artist and the audience. Rather than viewing the audience as a separate entity from the creative process, Antin's perspective suggests that the audience's presence can serve as a catalyst for his thinking and a source of inspiration.

Furthermore, Antin's acknowledgment of the audience as a source of focus and assistance underscores the idea that creativity is not a solitary endeavor but one that is shaped and enriched by external influences. The audience's presence can provide the artist with valuable feedback, perspective, and energy, contributing to the dynamic and evolving nature of the creative process. In this sense, the audience becomes an integral part of the creative ecosystem, playing a role in shaping the artist's thoughts and contributing to the development of the artistic work.

Overall, David Antin's quote offers insight into the complex and multifaceted relationship between the artist and the audience. By recognizing the audience's impact on his creative process and embracing their presence as a source of focus and assistance, Antin emphasizes the interconnectedness of art and audience. This perspective invites a reevaluation of the traditional boundaries between artist and audience, highlighting the potential for collaboration, engagement, and mutual influence within the realm of creative expression.