What's interesting about my project recently is that I'm going out into broader global spaces but then isolating at the same time - sort of pushing out but then pulling in.

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.

The only difference between success and failure is Lack of Vision

All he ever knew of her was who he saw every day. All I am is who I am every day. All anyone is to anyone is a series of days.

There was some part of me that never left that house. Rather, some part of the house that wouldn't leave me.

It is a dangerous thing to reform anyone.

I was not created to be occupied by eating delicious foods like tied up cattle.

For people who like peace and quiet: a phoneless cord.

In the age-old contest between popularity and principle, only those willing to lose for their convictions are deserving of posterity's approval.

One should never mistake pattern for meaning.

I am infinitely strange to myself.

To be loved is the birthright of every mewling babe, but, once grown, a man is not assured of such affection.