"There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward you can remove all traces of reality. "

Let's dive into the core idea of this quote. Basically, it’s saying that no art comes from nothing. Every piece of art, even the most abstract, begins with some form of reality. Later, artists might strip away recognizable elements, but the essence of the real world is always the starting point.

Pablo Picasso, who’s known for saying this, was all about pushing boundaries in art. He was a master of transforming everyday objects and scenes into abstract masterpieces. But even his wildest creations had their roots in the reality he observed around him. This quote reflects his belief that you need a foundation in reality before you can venture into the abstract.

Let’s think about this in a practical, real-life scenario. Imagine a painter staring at a bowl of fruit on a table. At first glance, it’s just that—a bowl of fruit. The painter sketches it out, capturing the shapes and colors. But then, they begin to play with the forms, stretching and twisting them. The apples start to look like they’re melting, the bananas bend in impossible ways. By the end, the painting is a wild, abstract composition. If you looked at it without knowing the process, you might not see the bowl of fruit at all. Yet, that’s where it began. The artist needed that initial reality to launch into their abstract vision.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own creative endeavors? Whether you’re an artist, a writer, or even a problem-solver in your job, start with what’s real. Observe the world around you. Take notes. Sketch out ideas grounded in reality. Once you’ve got that foundation, let your imagination run wild. Deconstruct and rebuild. Play with the elements until they become something new and exciting.

Now, let’s make this concept a bit more relatable with a story. Think about a writer named Sam. Sam wants to write a science fiction novel, but he feels stuck. All his ideas seem too far-fetched and disconnected. One day, Sam takes a walk around his neighborhood. He notices a group of kids playing with a remote-controlled drone. Suddenly, he’s inspired. Sam starts writing about these kids, setting up their personalities and their world. Then, he imagines the drone is actually a piece of alien technology. As he writes, the story becomes more and more fantastical, filled with space travel and intergalactic conflicts. But at its core, it all started with those kids and their drone. By grounding his story in a slice of reality, Sam was able to build a believable yet extraordinary narrative.

The lesson here? Don’t shy away from the real world. Use it as your launchpad. Once you’ve established that base, you’re free to explore the wildest reaches of your imagination. Art, in any form, thrives on this blend of the real and the abstract. So next time you’re staring at a blank canvas or an empty page, remember Picasso’s wisdom: start with something real, and then let your creativity take over.