It is not a torment to be an artist. It is a privilege.

I was a runaway girl from France who married an American and moved to New York City. Im not sure I would have continued as an artist had I remained in Paris because of the family setup.

Art is a way of recognizing oneself.

The subject of pain is the business I am in - to give meaning and shape to frustration and suffering. The existence of pain cannot be denied. I propose no remedies or excuses.

My childhood has never lost its magic, it has never lost its mystery, and it has never lost its drama.

My work disturbs people and nobody wants to be disturbed. They are not fully aware of the effect my work has on them, but they know it is disturbing.

Surrealism is anathema for me. Because the surrealists made a joke of everything. And I consider life a tragedy.