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 don't want a picture to look like something it isn't. I want it to look like something it is.

One of the disadvantages to having a choice is the inevitability to hang oneself on freedoms rope.

We must pray for more prayer for it is the world's mightiest healing force.

Every wise, just, and mild government, by rendering the condition of its subjects easy and secure, will always abound most in people, as well as in commodities and riches.

Joe Wright is incredible and I'm a huge admirer of his work in general, but specifically his aesthetics and poeticism.

If one is willing to have children, rhythm is probably the best method of contraception.

The Millennium Development Goals are owned by the people.

People who drink too much, health, and greedy. Hoard a treasure we do not like.

I feel like movie stars don't have many friends at all. They have acquaintances.

I wanted to play the Apollo Theater because I didn't think I was going to be on the earth long.

The most important thing is to continue to be yourself. The day after the Oscars, you have to get on with your life. To be honest and true to yourself.