An intellectual says a simple thing in a hard way. An artist says a hard thing in a simple way.

An intellectual says a simple thing in a hard way. An artist says a hard thing in a simple way.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing.

Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing.

Identity is theft of the self

Identity is theft of the self

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.

Good artists copy, great artists steal.

Good artists copy, great artists steal.