The refusal to rest content, the willingness to risk excess on behalf of one's obsessions, is what distinguishes artists from read more

The refusal to rest content, the willingness to risk excess on behalf of one's obsessions, is what distinguishes artists from entertainers, and what makes some artists adventurers on behalf of us all.

Art produces ugly things which frequently become more beautiful with time. Fashion, on the other hand, produces beautiful things which read more

Art produces ugly things which frequently become more beautiful with time. Fashion, on the other hand, produces beautiful things which always become ugly with time.

You do have to be fairly selfish when you have a gift. You cannot afford to let too many outside read more

You do have to be fairly selfish when you have a gift. You cannot afford to let too many outside things get in the way.

The defining function of the artist is to cherish consciousness.

The defining function of the artist is to cherish consciousness.

Modern art is what happens when painters stop looking at girls and persuade themselves that they have a better idea.

Modern art is what happens when painters stop looking at girls and persuade themselves that they have a better idea.

When Michelangelo finished the painting of the Sistine Chapel's ceiling, he spent the rest of his life trying to remove read more

When Michelangelo finished the painting of the Sistine Chapel's ceiling, he spent the rest of his life trying to remove the paint that had poured into his sleeve.

Art is an experience, not the formulation of a problem.

Art is an experience, not the formulation of a problem.

My mother said to me, "If you are a soldier, you will become a general. If you are a monk, read more

My mother said to me, "If you are a soldier, you will become a general. If you are a monk, you will become the Pope." Instead, I was a painter, and became Picasso.

Great art picks up where nature ends.

Great art picks up where nature ends.