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 beginchanceclear Change image and share on social
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 choosecloseconcrete Change image and share on social
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 badcompletelyconcrete Change image and share on social
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 architectarchitecturebook share on social
I have often said that just as the French revolution, for instance, understood itself through antiquity, I think our time can be understood through the French revolution. It is quite a natural process to use other times to understand your own time. Ian Hamilton Finlay antiquityfrenchinstance share on social
But you have to understand that I consider myself a very modest artist, or whatever, and not of importance really at all - it is quite embarrassing to me to be asked my opinion about things. I am only a wee Scottish poet on the outside of everything. Ian Hamilton Finlay artistaskembarrass share on social
People have always found me challenging - I don't know why, when I am only being myself. I don't understand why they find me so annoying but they do. It is pity, but that is how it is. Ian Hamilton Finlay annoychallengefind Change image and share on social
I am always a beginner. I only try to include different parts of life; the pastoral, the tragic, et cetera. Ian Hamilton Finlay beginnerceterainclude Change image and share on social
If the work is pure then you have to think it could be understood. If it is not understood it doesn't mean that your work is not accessible. It doesn't worry me, but, of course, I would be pleased if people liked my work. Ian Hamilton Finlay accessiblepeopleplease share on social
I came to these mediums through having the garden, and of course, people who have designed gardens have always worked in collaboration, and never made their own inscriptions. Ian Hamilton Finlay collaborationdesigngarden Change image and share on social
