Sometimes the times were dark and the outlook was lonesome, but where there is a will, there is a way. I pitched in and dug at my work until now I am where I am. Edmonia Lewis More Quotes by Edmonia Lewis More Quotes From Edmonia Lewis I don't want you to praise me...Some praise me because I am a colored girl, and I don't want that kind of praise. I had rather you would point out my defects, for that will teach me something. Edmonia Lewis girl want teacher I thought I knew everything when I came to Rome, but I soon found I had everything to learn. Edmonia Lewis learn everything thought rome There is nothing so beautiful as the free forest. To catch a fish when you are hungry, cut the boughs of a tree, make a fire to roast it, and eat it in the open air, is the greatest of all luxuries. I would not stay a week pent up in cities if it were not for my passion for art. Edmonia Lewis passion tree beautiful art One day, I saw a statue of Benjamin Franklin, and I said to myself, 'I can do that kind of work, too.' Edmonia Lewis day myself i-can work I have a strong sympathy for all women who have struggled and suffered. Edmonia Lewis who women strong sympathy I was practically driven to Rome in order to obtain the opportunities for art culture and to find a social atmosphere where I was not constantly reminded of my color. The land of liberty had no room for a colored sculptor. Edmonia Lewis liberty color culture art Until I was twelve years old, I led this wandering life, fishing, swimming, and making moccasins. Edmonia Lewis old swimming fishing life My features I take from my father, but my spirit, my industry and perseverance I get from my Indian mother. Edmonia Lewis perseverance spirit mother father No, I have not a drop of what they call white blood in my veins. My father was a full blooded Negro, and my mother was a full blooded Chippewa. Edmonia Lewis mother white father blood