Cold calculation, random spots of color, mathematically exact construction (clearly shown or concealed), drawing that is now silent and now strident . . . . Is this not form?

Inspiration is an awakening, a quickening of all man's faculties, and it is manifested in all high artistic achievements.

The music of this opera (Madame Butterfly) was dictated to me by God. I was merely instrumental in getting it on paper and communicating it to the public.

Art is a kind of illness.

I lived for art, I lived for love

The work comes into the world at an undetermined hour, from a still unknown, but it comes inevitably.

See, the night doth enfold us! See, all the world lies sleeping!

I'm working, but there is so much still to be done! And it frightens me to think of my weight of years. But on we go, without fear or hesitation!

Allah loves His creation. That’s why He rewards so greatly for serving them.

I'm a real nature lover, so whenever possible, I like to get to the beach or get to a forest or get somewhere there's fresh air. Apart from that, I'm a film addict and a DVD freak.

Some people are just destined to be together. That's just the way it is.

I stand as I always have with the Cuban people who love, cherish and celebrate liberty. Hard-working, helpful people who open their hearts and homes to all, whether in Cuba or in exile.

A colour is a physical object as soon as we consider its dependence, for instance, upon its luminous source, upon other colours, upon temperatures, upon spaces, and so forth.

Truth is a good dog; but always beware of barking too close to the heels of an error, lest you get your brains kicked out.

Distrust any enterprise that requires new clothes.

You wanted to look at life for yourself - but you were not allowed; you were punished for your wish. You were ground in the very mill of the conventional.

I can be around kids if I need to be.

When I look at the arc of my career, my focus is on lyricism, right? I own that.