“ I like the confusion you get between science and religion … that’s where belief lies and art as well. ”
Painting is so poetic, while sculpture is more logical and scientific and makes you worry about gravity.
~ Damien Hirst
Here's one from me: 'You have to be aware that everyone else is thinking far too hard about themselves to be thinking about you, whoever you are.' If you want it, you can have it. Once you know that, you can be free.
I was taught to confront things you can't avoid. Death is one of those things. To live in a society where you're trying not to look at it is stupid because looking at death throws us back into life with more vigour and energy. The fact that flowers don't last for ever makes them beautiful.
In an artwork you're always looking for artistic decisions, so an ashtray is perfect. An ashtray has got life and death.