Artists, by definition innocent, don't steal. But they do borrow without giving back.

The Great don't innovate, they fertilize seeds planted by lackeys, they leave to others the inhaling of the flowers whose roots they've manured. A deceptive memory may be the key to their originality.

Art's the biggest vanity: the assumption that one's view of peace or fright or beauty is permanently communicable.

There are no fascinating people, only their works are fascinating.

Perfection is no more a requisite to art than to heroes. Frigidaires are perfect. Beauty limps. My frigidaire has had to be replaced.

Inspiration could be called inhaling the memory of an act never experienced.

Bel canto is to opera what pole-vaulting is to ballet.