Meaning: This quote by James Joyce, a renowned Irish novelist, reflects on the nature of the artist and their relationship to their creation. Joyce, known for his modernist approach to literature, often delved into the complexities of human existence and the creative process. In this quote, he draws a parallel between the artist and the divine creator, suggesting that both remain separate from their creations, almost indifferent to the impact of their work.

The first part of the quote, "The artist, like the God of the creation, remains within or behind or beyond or above his handiwork," suggests that the artist exists separately from their creation. Just as God is seen as the creator of the universe but remains separate from it, the artist is also portrayed as existing "within or behind or beyond or above" their work. This separation implies a certain level of detachment, as if the artist is observing their creation from a distance rather than being fully immersed in it.

The phrase "invisible, refined out of existence" further emphasizes this sense of detachment. It suggests that the artist is almost transparent or intangible, existing in a state of refined invisibility. This could be interpreted as the artist transcending their physical presence to become a mere observer or conduit for their creative expression. The idea of being "refined out of existence" implies a state of refinement or purification, as if the artist's essence has been distilled into a state of pure creativity, removed from the constraints of physical existence.

The next part of the quote, "indifferent, paring his fingernails," adds another layer to the portrayal of the artist. The word "indifferent" suggests a lack of emotional attachment or concern, as if the artist is unconcerned with the impact of their work. This indifference could be interpreted as a reflection of the artist's focus on the act of creation itself, rather than the reception or interpretation of their work by others. The image of the artist "paring his fingernails" further reinforces this sense of detachment, as it conjures a mundane, everyday activity that is unrelated to the grandeur of creative expression.

Overall, this quote by James Joyce offers a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of artistic creation. By drawing a parallel between the artist and the divine creator, Joyce highlights the idea of the artist as a separate, refined, and indifferent entity in relation to their work. This portrayal challenges the romanticized notion of the artist as a deeply engaged, emotionally invested figure, and instead presents a more detached and enigmatic vision of the creative process.