In a way, artists are shamans, facilitators who take what's there, channel it through themselves, then put it out there for people to appreciate.

You know, I went to Oberlin. At that time, grades were - you elected to have them or not. It was all of that era where grades were out the window. But I did very well in school. I didn't really study the arts; I practiced the arts.

Because my parents had given me tremendous respect, trust, and freedom as a child, I knew how to take responsibility for myself. If you're constantly being told "No, don't do that" or "We don't trust you," you can't develop that responsibility.

It's people who are repressed and cannot express their fears that are dangerous.

The idea that all violence in movies is okay simply because it happens is bull. Directors and writers have a responsibility.

I am creative in my living space - the designer in me helps that out.

An artist is an entertainer, number one - a storyteller who takes people someplace, who gives them what they didn't know they wanted.