Meaning: Lee Krasner, an influential American abstract expressionist painter, made this statement that reflects the impact of war on artists and the resilience of creativity in the face of adversity. This quote sheds light on the profound effect that war had on individuals and society as a whole, particularly in the context of the art world during periods of conflict.

The quote begins with the acknowledgment that people were deeply affected by the war. This sentiment captures the widespread emotional and psychological toll that war exacts on individuals and communities. The experience of living through war, with its attendant fear, loss, and upheaval, undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the lives of many people during the periods of conflict that Krasner references.

Krasner's assertion that the war did not necessarily halt the creative pursuits of artists is a testament to the enduring nature of artistic expression. Despite the tumultuous backdrop of war, Krasner suggests that the impulse to create persisted. This speaks to the intrinsic and often irrepressible drive of artists to continue their work, even in the face of extraordinary challenges.

The caveat that artists would cease painting only if called into the army underscores the practical constraints imposed by wartime service. For those drafted into military duty, the demands of service superseded their artistic endeavors. This highlights the ways in which war disrupts the normal course of life, compelling individuals to set aside their personal aspirations in service of the larger conflict.

However, Krasner also emphasizes that for those not conscripted, creative work carried on. This resilience in the face of adversity reflects the power of art to endure and provide solace, expression, and meaning even in the most trying of circumstances. The act of continuing to paint amid the chaos of war represents a form of defiance, a refusal to let the destructive forces of conflict extinguish the spark of creativity.

Krasner's own experiences as an artist during World War II likely informed her perspective on the relationship between art and war. As a member of the New York art scene in the 1940s, she navigated the challenges and uncertainties of creating art during a time of global turmoil. Her observations about the impact of war on artists and the persistence of creative endeavors offer valuable insights into the human capacity for resilience and the enduring power of artistic expression.

In conclusion, Lee Krasner's quote encapsulates the profound impact of war on individuals and society, while also highlighting the tenacity of artistic expression in the face of adversity. It serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring human impulse to create, even in the darkest of times. Krasner's words resonate with the experiences of artists throughout history who have grappled with the upheavals of war, demonstrating that the creative spirit can endure, even in the most challenging circumstances.