The essential thing is to spring forth, to express the bolt of lightning one senses upon contact with a thing. The function of the artist is not to translate an observation but to express the shock of the object on his nature; the shock, with the original reaction.

If my story were ever to be written truthfully from start to finish, it would amaze everyone.

A thimbleful of red is redder than a bucketful.

I wouldn't mind turning into a vermilion goldfish.

An artist must possess Nature. He must identify himself with her rhythm, by efforts that will prepare the mastery which will later enable him to express himself in his own language.

A young woman has young claws, well sharpened. If she has character, that is. And if she hasn't so much the worse for you.

For my part I have never avoided the influence of others. I would have considered it cowardice and a lack of sincerity toward myself.