I still can't spend a lot of money on records at collector prices. There's something in me that just won't allow me to do that. But I will trade my artwork, which I know is worth thousands of dollars.

When I come up against the real world, I just vacillate.

The French hold onto their traditions. I was always so alienated in America. My work was this constant reaction to that.

The work itself is what motivates me. I like my own stuff, you know? I like the way it looks. I do it to please myself first.

Everything that is strong in me has gone into my art work.

Your vigor for life appalls me.

I'm into old-time music, I'm not very interested in modern, popular music at all. And if I'm really into some particular old-time musician, some fiddler or banjo player, I'm always dying of curiosity to see what they look like.