I don't think I'm influencing younger artists - they're not trying to be me. But I don't say that in bitterness. I say that with realism.

Many of the contradictions in Postmodern art come from the fact that we're trying to be artists in a democratic society. This is because in a democracy, the ideal is compromise. In art, it isn't.

I love being an enigma. Every time I'm tempted to respond to someone who tries to put me in a box, politically - you know, someone who gets on the Internet and says, you're pro-gun, or you're anti-gun - I stop and say to myself, 'This is great; this is what I wanted. I wanted to be the guy you can't figure out.'

When you discuss racism, it's almost a no-win scenario - but I don't think that means we shouldn't be discussing it.

Even in your darkest moments, you'll think of something that'll crack you up.

You're a sitting duck in a mall if you're a celebrity. It's like that scene from 'Guarding Tess,' I think it is, where Shirley MacLaine goes to the mall just to feel good about her celebrity.