I've always worn a hat when I work. I think it also comes from a picture of Rothko I saw with a painter's hat on.

Remember that an artist's life is an intense search for truth. This search takes many forms. Everyone of these forms demands its own disciplines. I learned and adapted to my search. I expect nothing from you. Question the truth of anything you confront. How does it apply to yourself and the trail you are pursuing?

I consider myself lucky to have had wonderful teachers. They expose you to a lot and basically teach you how to paint. I think of my career as a series of lucky incidents.

A painting, you know, it's all dirty material. But it's about transformation. Taking that earth, that heavy earthen kind of thing, turning it into air and light.

I smoke pot when I work. I take a couple of tokes before I start. It just loosens you up.

I'm an abstract painter not just for myself, but because I really believe in abstraction.

I don't remember any dream. All I remember is waking up and feeling that there had been a change while I was sleeping.