July 3- It gives me something to do

“It gives me something to do.”- Andy Warhol

Andy Warhol was notoriously elusive when talking about himself, never revealing too much to leave interpretations up to the individual, a hallmark of the philosophy behind modern art.

Here’s an excerpt of an interview from a 1966, that shows just how Warhol kept people guessing, even though he was constantly socializing and giving interviews.

Cavalier: Most of the things you paint are simply exact re-creations – rather than interpretations – of perfectly ordinary things: Brillo boxes, dollar bills, matchbook covers… When you paint these objects do you have a specific audience in mind?

Andy Warhol: No.

Cavalier: What is your feeling then? Do you want anyone to react to them, or do you paint them just to please yourself?

Andy Warhol: It gives me something to do.

Cavalier: As opposed to what? Nothing to do?

Andy Warhol: Yes.

This interview was featured in “Cavalier” in 1966.