The fact that writers will go through so much to remain writers says something, perhaps everything. It would be far read more

The fact that writers will go through so much to remain writers says something, perhaps everything. It would be far easier (and nearly always more profitable) to become a real estate agent.

I remember being handed a score composed by Mozart at the age of eleven. What could I say? I felt read more

I remember being handed a score composed by Mozart at the age of eleven. What could I say? I felt like de Kooning, who was asked to comment on a certain abstract painting, and answered in the negative. He was then told it was the work of a celebrated monkey. 'That's different. For a monkey, it's terrific.' - "London Magazine", March, 1967.

So-called art restoration is at least as tricky as brain surgery. Most pictures expire under scalpel and sponge.

So-called art restoration is at least as tricky as brain surgery. Most pictures expire under scalpel and sponge.

Art is dangerous. It is one of the attractions: when it ceases to be dangerous you don't want it.

Art is dangerous. It is one of the attractions: when it ceases to be dangerous you don't want it.

Everyone will be famous for 15 minutes.

Everyone will be famous for 15 minutes.

The highest art is always the most religious, and the greatest artist is always a devout person.

The highest art is always the most religious, and the greatest artist is always a devout person.

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

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

The artist should be a seeing-eye dog for a myopic civilization.

The artist should be a seeing-eye dog for a myopic civilization.

Art is the stored honey of the human soul, gathered on wings of misery and travail.

Art is the stored honey of the human soul, gathered on wings of misery and travail.