I know that I was conscious of all the aspects of the war, having had cousins who were in the army, who would send me notes and memorabilia. I began to collect things that they would send me.

I was always making things. I made model airplanes and did a number of hands-on activities. I liked creating in some form or another, not realizing what it was all about.

What I adore is mixing the unexpected, things you don't imagine should go together

My parents never prevented me from doing anything, but they didn't have the knowledge of the arts that Mrs. Ranger had.

It [piano lessons] wasn't a priority, but it was an interest and through that I became acquainted with classical music, which was a main interest at the time.

I was always kind of naïve, and really needed to be given some direction.

Charles Burchfield was exceptional. As such an accomplished artist, he had limited previous association with academia and teaching.