They are imbeciles who call my work abstract. That which they call abstract is the most realistic, because what is real is not the exterior but the idea, the essence of things.
Constantin Brancusi

To see far is one thing, going there is another.
Constantin Brancusi

Theories are patterns without value. What counts is action.
Constantin Brancusi

When you see a fish you don't think of its scales, do you? You think of its speed, its floating, flashing body seen through the water... If I made fins and eyes and scales, I would arrest its movement, give a pattern or shape of reality. I want just the flash of its spirit.
Constantin Brancusi

What is real is not the external form, but the essence of things... it is impossible for anyone to express anything essentially real by imitating its exterior surface.
Constantin Brancusi

Simplicity is not an objective in art, but one achieves simplicity despite one's self by entering into the real sense of things.
Constantin Brancusi

Don't look for obscure formulas or mystery in my work. It is pure joy that I offer you. Look at my sculptures until you see them. Those closest to God have seen them.
Constantin Brancusi