An artist is someone who produces things that people don't need to have but that he - for some reason read more

An artist is someone who produces things that people don't need to have but that he - for some reason - thinks it would be a good idea to give them.

Art is good when it springs from necessity. This kind of origin is the guarantee of its value; there is read more

Art is good when it springs from necessity. This kind of origin is the guarantee of its value; there is no other.

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.

That is what the title of artist means: one who perceives more than his fellows, and who records more than read more

That is what the title of artist means: one who perceives more than his fellows, and who records more than he has seen.

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.

You've gotta be original, because if you're like someone else, what do they need you for?

You've gotta be original, because if you're like someone else, what do they need you for?

I have been no more than a medium, as it were.

I have been no more than a medium, as it were.

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.

Giving jazz the Congressional seal of approval is a little like making Huck Finn an honorary Boy Scout.

Giving jazz the Congressional seal of approval is a little like making Huck Finn an honorary Boy Scout.