I don't really trust ideas - especially good ones... Rather, I put my trust in the materials that confront me, because they put me in touch with the unknown.

An empty canvas is full only if you want it to be full.

A pair of socks is no less suitable to make a painting with than wood, nails, turpentine, oil and fabric.

The artist's job is to be a witness to his time in history.

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.

I usually work in a direction until I know how to do it, then I stop, At the time that I am bored or understand - I use those words interchangeably - another appetite has formed.

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