How does the artist function as poet-slash-witness-slash-trickster?

I think there's something important in going against the grain, and perhaps finding value in things that aren't necessarily institutionally recognized.

This is something that, as artists, we constantly deal with-throwing away the past, slaying the father, and creating the new. This desire to throw away the old rules.

The backgrounds by design are a very key part of the conversation, because I want a kind of fight or pressure to exist between the figure and the background.

All art is self-portraiture.

Painting is situational. And my particular situation exists within gender, race, class, sexuality, nation.

I believe that artists should be part of the culture. I think that my work clearly bears that out.

The art world has become so insular. The rules have become so autodidactic that, in a sense, they lose track of what people have any interest in thinking about, talking about or even looking at.

We have a lot of sort of received historical ways of viewing portraiture. And I suppose in some way I'm sort of questioning that by toying with the rules of the game.

We're wired to be empathetic and to care about the needs of others, but also to be curious about others. And I think that's just sort of in our DNA. And so portraiture is a very human act.

I guess art is in the eye of the beholder.

Topology is destiny, ' he said, and put the drawers on. One leg at a time.

Language is the Rubicon that divides man from beast.

I don't believe in God, but I do believe in His saints.

At the moment you are most in awe of all there is about life that you don't understand, you are closer to understanding it all than at any other time.

Don't beat yourself. That's the worst kind of defeat you'll ever suffer.

What is the situation today? We have a united country. We have a single currency. We have managed to stabilize the economy, despite difficulties. We could talk all day about all those achievements.

I would say a lack of sleep is a cause for feeling not so beautiful. On those days, I try to drink lots of water and put on the biggest sunglasses I can find.

There's a sculpture in our bedroom, a solid brass replica of Antonio's manhood. It's very expensive, he gave it to me as a romantic gift.

I love the beginning of Magnolia, the thing about the dealer. That scene is genius. Brilliantly acted.

Ach, people are always telling us not to do things" said Rob Anybody, "that's how we ken the most interesting things to do.