I like that there's very little mystery in how the artwork is actually made. It's the labor and the focus and the precision that drives it to the next level.

I soon realized that I didn't have a great passion for academia and I didn't like sitting in front of the computer all day. I would much prefer to be a carpenter.

The biggest problem that I see that young artists have is they aren't willing to fail. And unless you fail a lot, I think it's difficult to find a voice that shouts above the crowds.

For me probably the best moment is before I get started in the morning. I get up and I ride my bike before I come into the studio, so there's a lot of peace and quiet right before the day starts and my assistants get here.

Opera is something you have to educate yourself about. You have to make sure you understand the stories, what was happening politically, socially during the time these things were made and how they've changed through history.

While I've lived in cities for most of my adult life, I really prefer the quiet, boring, mundanity of the country. It's the best place for me to work, think, and invent.

I like that there's very little mystery in how the artwork is actually made. It's the labor and the focus and the precision that drives it to the next level.