Meaning: This quote by Tom Glazer, a musician and songwriter, touches on the age-old debate about the concept of inspiration and creativity. For centuries, people have romanticized the idea of artists being struck by inspiration, waiting for their muse to guide them in creating their masterpieces. However, Glazer challenges this notion by highlighting the practical aspect of creating art on commission, where artists are expected to produce works without the luxury of waiting for inspiration to strike.

The traditional view of inspiration suggests that artists rely on a mystical or divine force to guide and inspire their creative process. This concept is deeply rooted in the history of art and has been perpetuated through countless stories of artists being visited by muses or experiencing sudden bursts of inspiration that lead to the creation of timeless works of art. This romanticized notion of inspiration often portrays artists as passive recipients of creativity, waiting for the elusive muse to bestow them with genius ideas.

On the other hand, Glazer's quote challenges this notion by emphasizing the active role that artists can take in their creative process. By mentioning the idea of creating a symphony or a song on commission, he highlights the practical and pragmatic aspect of artistic creation. This perspective suggests that artists are capable of producing exceptional works of art even when they are not personally inspired, but rather when they are driven by external factors such as deadlines, commissions, or specific requests.

Glazer's quote also sheds light on the discipline and professionalism that artists bring to their craft. It implies that artists possess the skill, expertise, and dedication to create works of art on demand, without necessarily relying on the whims of inspiration. This challenges the romanticized image of the tortured artist waiting for inspiration to strike and instead emphasizes the hard work, dedication, and craftsmanship that are integral to the creative process.

Moreover, the quote raises questions about the nature of creativity and the sources of artistic inspiration. It prompts us to consider whether inspiration is truly an unpredictable and uncontrolled force, or if it can be cultivated and harnessed through discipline, practice, and external motivations. It also invites us to reflect on the relationship between art and commerce, and how artists navigate the balance between creating art for personal expression and creating art for commercial or commissioned purposes.

In conclusion, Tom Glazer's quote challenges the traditional notion of artists being solely reliant on inspiration for their creative endeavors. By highlighting the practical aspect of creating art on commission, he emphasizes the active role that artists play in their creative process and the discipline and professionalism that underpin their craft. This quote prompts us to reconsider the romanticized view of inspiration and encourages a deeper exploration of the sources of creativity and the nature of artistic expression.