And I think that even today, New York still has more of this unexpected quality around every corner than any place else. It's something quite extraordinary

There is no reason not to consider the world as one gigantic painting.

You begin with the possibilities of the material.

I don't really trust ideas - especially good ones... Rather, I put my trust in the materials that confront me, because they put me in touch with the unknown.

The only thing that I could get with chance, and I never was able to use it, was that I would end up with something quite geometric or the spirit that I was interested in, indulging in, was gone.

It is neither Art for Art, nor Art against Art. I am for Art, but for Art that has nothing to do with Art. Art has everything to do with life, but it has nothing to do with Art.

I've not been cursed with talent, which could be a great inhibitor.

An empty canvas is full.

The artist's job is to be a witness to his time in history.

I don't think of myself as making art. I do what I do because I want to, because painting is the best way I've found to get along with myself.

Even at this late date, I go into my studio, and I think 'Is this going to be it? Is it the end?' You see, nearly everything terrorizes me. When an artist loses that terror, he's through.

I cannot pretend that I regard this with favor, but the purpose of life is not to do what we want but what needs to be done. This is what fate demands of us. - Oromis

A musician's or artist's responsibility is a simple one, and that is, through your music to tell the truth,

Duty and honor are oft enough realm only for those with security to afford them.

Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid.

Love me or hate me, both are in my favour. If you love me, I will always be in your heart, and if you hate me, I will be in your mind.

I'm conflicted with theater in the city because you want to reach a diverse audience, and that audience doesn't typically go to the theater.

The idea of a Chicago band that wanted to sing songs about California is really funny. Having never been to California.

I know so few people who actually give music their undivided attention, so I've been trying to just park myself on the couch between the speakers and listen.

I believe in divine inspiration and things like that and I really relish a good, attentive, participating audience.

I am a man more sinned against than sinning