One has to believe in what one is doing, one has to commit oneself inwardly, in order to do painting. Once obsessed, one ultimately carries it to the point of believing that one might change human beings through painting. But if one lacks this passionate commitment, there is nothing left to do. Then it is best to leave it alone.

People ask me, 'Don't you ever run out of ideas?' In the first place I don't use ideas. Every time I have an idea it's too limiting, and usually turns out to be a disappointment. But I haven't run out of curiosity.

Photography is the most direct communication in non-violent contacts.

But I was in awe of the painters; I mean I was new in New York, and I thought the painting that was going on here was just unbelievable

You wait until life is in the frame, then you have the permission to click. I like the adventure of waiting until the whole frame is full.

I'm sure we don't read old paintings the way they were intended

By the time you establish your priorities, there really isn't any fun or need to interest yourself in what you're doing. And this I find disastrous.