“Writing is the only art form where a good number of the artists make a slice of their living criticizing one another in print, in public. ”

“When art critics get together they talk about Form and Structure and Meaning. When artists get together they talk about where you can buy cheap turpentine.”

“This is not an age favourable to the development of artistic genius; it may be that for a time all forms of art will pass away into the domination of those who think that a good picture can be painted only if the artist's political views record with theirs, and that it is only possible to write a good novel provided the author follows the rules they have laid down.”

“Bok strongly believed that good art should find a place in public buildings where large numbers of persons might find easy access to it.”

“The critic has to educate the public; the artist has to educate the critic.”

“Tasting is an act of pleasure, and writing about that pleasure is an artistic gesture, but the only true work of art, in the end, is another person's feast.”