I think that I the biggest thing that I need is more creative time. More time to make mistakes.

As americans I think it's harder for us to have a relationship with opera because the access to it is so limited.

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.

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 have very simple tastes really. I like to ride my bicycle and I like to spend time upstate where it's quiet and I can take time to think and dream about new projects and possibilities.

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.