Quotes About Artistry

It seemed like a very small possibility for me to become an artist. I didn't have the need to be on the stage; I didn't feel the need to be heard. I just needed to write.

The most fun you can possibly have as an actor is to walk that line between what's real and what's interesting.

There's really no difference between what I do and what a male filmmaker might do. I mean we all try to make our days, we all try to give the best performances we can, we try to make our budget, we try to make the best movie we possibly can.

I just want to give people the best album that I possibly can.

If I start trying to make a record for what I think could possibly get played on radio, I'm dead.

Make the film that you love. When you find a film that you love, every molecule of your being will be moving in the direction of making the best film you can possibly make. This should be your default mode of operation.

A simple scoop-neck leotard highlights a ballerina's swanlike neck and elegant posture, both rooted in a powerful core.

Every filmmaker's just going to keep trying to make it the best you can make it: make it as potent and interesting and entertaining and exciting and tough and sexy as you can.

The people who really got me off were dealing with the musical potential of the Instrument.

'The Voice' gave me a chance to show people the side of me that is an artist. People didn't know what that would look like or sound like. It allowed people to see that potential.

You create content because you love it, not necessarily because you're looking for fame or know what it will potentially lead to.

My goal is to think of nothing when I'm writing a song because too many influences could sabotage a potentially amazing song.

For years, I've written narrators who aren't gender-identified. When I do autobiographical stuff, that's different, obviously. But I've always tried to keep my songs as potentially not a man's thing.

Sometimes when you're writing a song, it's work, and you really have to make sure you're kind of pounding out every little piece of it. And then sometimes you write a song, and you turn around and you go, 'How did we do that?'

Putting together two powerful sets is always difficult. After you really pour it out one night, it's hard to pour it out the next night.

Whenever I go onstage or in front of a camera, I always want to pour my soul out because I know I have a lot to offer.

People consider Black Star a great album, and I think it's a classic album. But the fact is, both me and Mos Def have made better albums since Black Star.

I'm very happy with the way I write. I think I do it good. But I've never really considered myself a writer.

I begin by considering an effect.

I want to evolve with my performances. Consistency is really important. Having said that, I generally don't try too hard.

What is a shame is that there isn't stuff that is as great as 'Oz' on a consistent level around today.

At least I try to stay consistent with every album I do.

If Brian Eno wanted to make a record, I'd definitely clear some time in my calendar. John Cale, too. Those guys consistently make great records, always doing their own thing.

I'm constantly making exhibitions in my head.