The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work.
Meaning of the quote
To become an artist, you need to have a natural talent or 'gift'. But even with this gift, you won't be successful without hard work. Talent alone is not enough - you have to put in the effort and practice to develop your skills. The quote means that being an artist requires both natural ability and a lot of dedicated work to turn that potential into something great.
About Emile Zola
Emile Edouard Charles Antoine Zolawas a French novelist, journalist, playwright, the best-known practitioner of the literary school of naturalism, and an important contributor to the development of theatrical naturalism. He was a major figure in the political liberalization of France and in the exoneration of the falsely accused and convicted army officer Alfred Dreyfus, which is encapsulated in his renowned newspaper opinion headlined J’Accuse…! Zola was nominated for the first and second Nobel prizes in literature in 1901 and 1902.
More quotes from Emile Zola
I am little concerned with beauty or perfection. I don’t care for the great centuries. All I care about is life, struggle, intensity.
French journalist, playwright and poet (1840-1902)
Perfection is such a nuisance that I often regret having cured myself of using tobacco.
French journalist, playwright and poet (1840-1902)
In my view you cannot claim to have seen something until you have photographed it.
French journalist, playwright and poet (1840-1902)
One forges one’s style on the terrible anvil of daily deadlines.
French journalist, playwright and poet (1840-1902)
If I cannot overwhelm with my quality, I will overwhelm with my quantity.
French journalist, playwright and poet (1840-1902)
There are two men inside the artist, the poet and the craftsman. One is born a poet. One becomes a craftsman.
French journalist, playwright and poet (1840-1902)
If you shut up truth, and bury it underground, it will but grow.
French journalist, playwright and poet (1840-1902)
If you ask me what I came into this life to do, I will tell you: I came to live out loud.
French journalist, playwright and poet (1840-1902)
The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work.
French journalist, playwright and poet (1840-1902)
The truth is on the march and nothing will stop it.
French journalist, playwright and poet (1840-1902)
I am an artist… I am here to live out loud.
French journalist, playwright and poet (1840-1902)
The fate of animals is of greater importance to me than the fear of appearing ridiculous; it is indissolubly connected with the fate of men.
French journalist, playwright and poet (1840-1902)
The thought is a deed. Of all deeds she fertilizes the world most.
French journalist, playwright and poet (1840-1902)