The paintings by Van Gough and Chagall had a big influence on me.

My optimism for life carried through my work.

And see the rivers how they run Through woods and meads, in shade and sun, Sometimes swift, sometimes slow, Wave succeeding wave, they go A various journey to the deep, Like human life to endless sleep!

It's a terrible thing wishing that it can be someone else's tragedy.

I love the sea's sounds and the way it reflects the sky. The colours that shimmer across its surface are unbelievable. This, combined with the colour of the water over white sand, surprises me every time.

A man may go to heaven without health, without riches, without honors, without learning, without friends; but he can never go there without Christ.

During the winter when the weather is too poor to work outside, I do use drawings and photographs, but I change my work so it is not just a time and place study.