I choose a block of marble and chop off whatever I don't need

I choose a block of marble and chop off whatever I don't need

Auguste Rodin, the renowned French sculptor, once famously said, “I choose a block of marble and chop off whatever I don't need.” These words encapsulate Rodin’s approach to his art and his philosophy on the creative process. For Rodin, sculpting was not about adding layers or embellishments to a piece of marble, but rather about revealing the essence of the material by removing what was unnecessary.

Rodin’s statement speaks to his belief in the power of simplicity and the importance of restraint in art. By starting with a solid block of marble and then chiseling away at it, Rodin was able to uncover the beauty and form that lay hidden within the stone. This process of subtraction allowed him to create sculptures that were not only visually striking but also emotionally resonant.