Meaning: This quote by Peter Hammill, a musician known for his work in the progressive rock genre, encapsulates a profound perspective on the nature of art. In just a few words, Hammill captures the essence of art as a multifaceted phenomenon that encompasses both grand, sweeping gestures and the meticulous exploration of seemingly ordinary subjects.

At its core, this quote speaks to the duality of art - the ability to capture the grandeur of the world while also finding beauty and significance in the smallest details. This concept is deeply rooted in the artistic traditions of both the East and the West. In the East, the idea of finding the universe in a single object is embodied in the practice of Zen Buddhism and the related art forms such as haiku poetry and the Japanese tea ceremony. Meanwhile, in the Western tradition, this sentiment echoes the Romantic notion of seeing the sublime in the ordinary, as expressed in the works of poets like William Blake and artists like J.M.W. Turner.

The first part of the quote, "Art lies in both directions - the broad strokes, big picture," suggests that art is about capturing the grand and overarching themes of life and the world. It speaks to the ability of art to convey universal truths, to inspire and move audiences with its grandeur, and to provoke contemplation about the human experience. This perspective is often associated with epic works of art, such as monumental sculptures, large-scale paintings, or symphonic compositions that seek to encompass the vastness of human emotion and existence.

The second part of the quote, "but on the other hand the minute examination of the apparently mundane," draws attention to the importance of paying attention to the details and finding significance in the seemingly ordinary aspects of life. This aspect of art encompasses the ability to uncover beauty, meaning, and complexity in the everyday, the overlooked, and the seemingly inconsequential. It is about the artist's keen observation and ability to imbue the mundane with depth and significance.

Hammill's reference to "seeing the whole world in a grain of sand" invokes the famous line from William Blake's poem "Auguries of Innocence," which suggests that the entire cosmos can be found encapsulated in the smallest of things. This perspective underscores the idea that art has the power to reveal the profound and the universal within the seemingly insignificant and the specific. It speaks to the artist's ability to unveil the extraordinary within the ordinary and to invite audiences to contemplate the interconnectedness of all things.

In essence, this quote by Peter Hammill encapsulates the expansive nature of art, highlighting its capacity to encompass both the grand and the minute, the universal and the particular. It speaks to the artist's role as both a visionary and a scrutineer, someone who can capture the essence of life in its vastness as well as in its smallest manifestations. This perspective invites us to appreciate the richness and depth of art, reminding us that it can both awe us with its grandeur and inspire us with its attention to detail.