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More and more, I think about the role of the arts, and as an artist, I think that it's important that I share the love and peace.

The most important thing for me as an artist is having an identity.

I suppose for me as an artist it wasn't always just about expressing my work; I really wanted, more than anything else, to contribute in some way to the culture that I was living in. It just seemed like a challenge to move it a little bit towards the way I thought it might be interesting to go.

When I started thinking about it, I was like, 'OK, if throughout time I get labeled as a conscious artist, I'll be very much celebrated, in a way, and honored.'

I'm very happy to hear that my work inspires writers and painters. It's the most beautiful compliment, the greatest reward. Art should always be an exchange.

I set my sights upon becoming the kind of artist who would make a contribution to art history.

I think one's history and past is important at a certain time in your life, especially as an artist, just to try to hone in on that.

When looking at any significant work of art, remember that a more significant one probably has had to be sacrificed.

I think it's very important for writers and artists generally to be witnesses to the world, and to be transparent. To let other people speak... to travel... to experience the world. And memorialize it.

I think it's the job of the artist to reflect the times and also reflect his or her views of the world.