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.

True artists are almost the only men who do their work for pleasure.

True artists are almost the only men who do their work for pleasure.

Whoever says artists can't deal with corporate pressures because they have frail minds, is missing out on the potential the read more

Whoever says artists can't deal with corporate pressures because they have frail minds, is missing out on the potential the artistic mind has to boost company morale and increase productivity. Most artists would just as soon quit once they become conscious of their exploitation and that is a sign of strength not weakness.

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.

A true artist will let his wife starve, his children go barefoot,
his mother drudge for his living at read more

A true artist will let his wife starve, his children go barefoot,
his mother drudge for his living at seventy, sooner than work at
anything but his art.

I believe in Michelangelo, Velasquez, and Rembrandt; in the might
of design, the mystery of color, the redemption of read more

I believe in Michelangelo, Velasquez, and Rembrandt; in the might
of design, the mystery of color, the redemption of all things by
Beauty everlasting, and the message of Art that has made these
hands blessed. Amen. Amen.

Trying to define yourself is like trying to bite your own teeth.

Trying to define yourself is like trying to bite your own teeth.

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.

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.