The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing
without work.

The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing
without work.

Identity is theft of the self

Identity is theft of the self

Good artists copy, great artists steal.

Good artists copy, great artists steal.

Of all human struggles there is none so treacherous and
remorseless as the struggle between the artist man and read more

Of all human struggles there is none so treacherous and
remorseless as the struggle between the artist man and the mother
woman.

What do you think an artist is? An imbecile who has only his eyes if he is a painter, or read more

What do you think an artist is? An imbecile who has only his eyes if he is a painter, or his ears if he is a musician, or a lyre at every level of his heart if he is a poet, or, if he is merely a boxer, only his muscle? On the contrary, he is at the same time a political being, constantly alert to the heartrending, burning, or happy events in the world, molding himself in their likeness.

Give me a museum and I'll fill it.

Give me a museum and I'll fill it.

An artist is always alone - if he is an artist. No, what the artist needs is loneliness.

An artist is always alone - if he is an artist. No, what the artist needs is loneliness.

Genius can probably run on ahead and seek out new ways; but the good artists who follow after genius - read more

Genius can probably run on ahead and seek out new ways; but the good artists who follow after genius - and I count myself among these - have to restore the lost connection once more.

I've been relying very heavily on my instincts as of late, and my songwriting has come to depend on my read more

I've been relying very heavily on my instincts as of late, and my songwriting has come to depend on my ability to surrender to the inspiration whenever it strikes. When I clear my mind and let the music take over, my hands seem to move on their own, and my voice utters words I haven't premeditated. This is pure instinct. It's like riding a wave. You just take a deep breath, hop on, and hang on as long as you can. That's basically how I songwrite when I'm composing impromptu pieces. It's a lot like channeling. Or free associating. And it's super fun, because anything can happen! It's pure creativity.