It was all so far away - there was quiet and an untouched feel to the country and I could work as I pleased.

I look at my work and make up my mind about it. After that, neither flattery nor criticism matters to me.

One day a hummingbird flew in-- It fluttered against the window til I got it down where I could reach it with an open umbrella-- --When I had it in my hand it was so small I couldn't believe I had it--but I could feel the intense life--so intense and so tiny-- ...You were like the humming bird to me... And I am rather inclined to feel that you and I know the best part of one another without spending much time together-- --It is not that I fear the knowing-- It is that I am at this moment willing to let you be what you are to me--it is beautiful and pure and very intensely alive.

We'd make love. Afterwards he would take photographs of me. (On modeling for Alfred Stieglitz)

I've been afraid every single day of my life, but I've gone ahead and done it anyway.

Where I was born and where and how I have lived is unimportant. It is what I have done with where I have been that should be of interest.

I know now that most people are so closely concerned with themselves that they are not aware of their own individuality, I can see myself, and it has helped me to say what I want to say in paint.