I think it might be nice if there was a Cosimo de' Medici around today, offering commissions to the poor, but talented artists.

There is no water and still less soap. We have no city, but lots of hope.

As an artist, I identify with Sandro Botticelli. We know him as the man who painted Primavera and The Birth Of Venus. The goddesses and ancient subjects he chose represented virtues which were meant to inspire people. Then he went through a dark phase when he was listening to the sermons of Savonarola, who preached against the worldly pleasures of the Renaissance. But Botticelli's works live on, inspiring people to this day. Five hundred years after his death, he still has thousands of fans!

Artists have to believe in the merit of their own work and persevere whether they receive public recognition or not, but it's ever so nice when someone says, "Job well done"!

The historical novel gives us perspective on our modern lives and helps us connect with the story, which we are continuing ourselves.

I love teaching. It's a job that lasts forever. Whatever you teach children today travels with them far into the future.

It's difficult to choose between these art forms. Iconography is entirely different from the style of the 15th century masters, who were experts in foreshortening and perspective. The technical skill and visual effects of painters like Uccello have to be admired. They achieved a level of artistry that has never been surpassed, in my opinion.