Many people cycle or swim to keep trim. But if swimming is so good for the figure, how do you explain whales?

I don't buy art in order to leave a mark or to be remembered; clutching at immortality is of zero interest to anyone sane.

My aim in life isn't so much the pursuit of happiness as the happiness of pursuit.

Its obvious nonsense, but it makes nice people feel good about themselves to do their bit for the planet. Its vanity of a grotesque kind to believe that mankind, and our carbon footprint, has more impact on the future of Earth than Nature, which bends our planet to its will, as it sees fit.

Artists need a lot of collectors, all kinds of collectors, buying their art.

I liked working in advertising, but don't believe my taste in art, such as it is, was entirely formed by TV commercials. And I don't feel especially conflicted enjoying a Mantegna one day, a Carl Andre the next day and a brash student work the next.

Being a good artist is the toughest job you could pick, and you have to be a little nuts to take it on.