I think Tolstoy had an unbelievably complicated relationship with women.

Without passion, all the skill in the world won't lift you above craft. Without skill, all the passion in the world will leave you eager but floundering. Combining the two is the essence of the creative life.

When you stimulate your body, your brain comes alive in ways you can't simulate in a sedentary position.

I started formal piano training when I was 4. From there I had little violas, and I had dancing lessons of every sort and description, and painting lessons. I had German. And shorthand.

Never worry that rote exercises aimed at developing skills will suffocate creativity. At the same time, it's important to recognize that demonstrating great technique is not the same as being creative.

That's what improvising is like for me. There's no tollbooth between my impulse and my action.

Judgment is not my business. Existing is my business.