African American writers and artists, by the very nature of what they do, will actually enhance or bring together people in a way that might be very, very healthy.

I want kids to understand that making pictures is similar to making music; there are so many instruments and so many tunes that the possibilities for how you play are truly limitless.

I wanted to show that an African-American artist could make it in this country on a national level in the graphic arts. I want to be a strong role model for my family and for other African Americans.

I've always felt that if I worked hard enough and continued to refine my craft, while staying curious about our times and our world, I just might have something to contribute.

I never demonstrate how art should be made or what the outcome should look like. Instead, give kids the tools and the materials to make their own art. Have them experience the process.

Make it all about the work. Everything else will follow.

If you do the best work you can, the reward is ultimately your self-satisfaction - the sense that you have done the best you can. And then there's that piece of how others respond.

I feel the calmest when I'm drawing or when I'm creating images. I love connecting the mind with the hand and producing something - that is very comforting and centering for me.

We live in a time when there is an abundance of ways we can express ourselves.

I try not to respond with a pep talk, such as, "Everyone has talent, just try, you'll see." I skirt those kinds of answers.

I have to believe that when I finish a project, that I will not only grow as an artist, but as a person.

With guns you can kill terrorists, with education you can kill terrorism.

Men get drunk and boast, or they get religion and repent.

You are free to do what you want, but you are not free to want what you want.

So, because I have a mental illness I should disappear and hide? Ever since I went into hospital, all I have heard and read about is people telling me what they think I should do.

With our lives and food chain set up to make us fat - I mean, you can't drive down any highway in America and find a grapefruit - a guy needs to be smarter and more determined to get lean.

My studio is a fantastic combination of old and new, and that's how I've always liked to work.

I think that the people who are the loudest about wanting to change you are the people with the least amount of vision and creativity.

I long for typical days, but rarely get them any more.

College football is LSU's Tiger Stadium at night.

You fiddle lucker!' she cried.