Ian Hamilton Finlay Quotes

A collection of quotes by Ian Hamilton Finlay.

Ian Hamilton Finlay (1925-2006) was a Scottish artist, poet, and gardener, known for his distinctive contributions to concrete poetry, landscape design, and site-specific installations. He explored the interplay between language, visual art, and nature throughout his career. Finlay's poetic compositions, often inscribed in stone or incorporated within landscape elements, offered a profound commentary on history, culture, and politics. His renowned garden, Little Sparta, exemplified his concept of the "garden as artwork" and remains an enduring testament to his artistic vision. Finlay's work continues to inspire and challenge audiences worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on contemporary art and poetry.

I am always a beginner. I only try to include different part

I am always a beginner. I only try to include different parts of life; the pastoral, the tragic, et cetera.

Ian Hamilton Finlay

But at the beginning it was clear to me that concrete poetry

But at the beginning it was clear to me that concrete poetry was peculiarly suited for using in public settings. This was my idea, but of course I never really much got the chance to do it.

Ian Hamilton Finlay

But I can only write what the muse allows me to write. I can

But I can only write what the muse allows me to write. I cannot choose, I can only do what I am given, and I feel pleased when I feel close to concrete poetry - still.

Ian Hamilton Finlay

For me concrete poetry was a particular way of using languag

For me concrete poetry was a particular way of using language which came out of a particular feeling, and I don't have control over whether this feeling is in me or not.

Ian Hamilton Finlay

Well, probably I was fed up with concrete poetry. There was

Well, probably I was fed up with concrete poetry. There was a lot of bad concrete poetry and besides, it was confused with visual poetry which was completely different.

Ian Hamilton Finlay

The same sort of thing happened in my dispute with the Natio

The same sort of thing happened in my dispute with the National Trust book: Follies: A National Trust Guide, which implied that the only pleasure you can get from Folly architecture is by calling the architect mad, and by laughing at the architecture.

Ian Hamilton Finlay