I believe that if it were left to artists to choose their own labels, most would choose none.

Every great historic change has been based on nonconformity, has been bought either with the blood or with the reputation of nonconformists.

We tried to present the ordinary in an extraordinary manner. But that's the paradox because the only thing extraordinary about it was that it was so ordinary. Nobody had ever done it before, deliberately. Now it's called documentary, which I suppose is all right ... We just took pictures that cried out to be taken.

It is the mission of art to remind man from time to time that he is human, and the time is ripe, just now, today, for such a reminder.

Now, when I came on to Washington to begin my job, I was so interested in photography at that time that I really would have preferred to work with Stryker than with my department, which was more artistic if you wish.

If you're going to be an artist, all life is your subject. And all your experience is part of your art. A youngster told me recently that he was going to give himself a year to see if he has talent. A year! It takes a lifetime to see if you have it. Painting is total engagement.

How do you paint yellow wheat against a yellow sky? You paint it jet black.