The Marines gave me a really strong sense of discipline and a work ethic that kicks in at my job.
The paintings are like prayers, relating to wishing for something beyond everyday life.
I think I care about beauty, but I don't go for it. I hope it sometimes might be in there. I think, maybe, more in terms of a beautiful moment than trying to figure out what beauty is or what people respond to.
Most of my painting is done sitting in a chair with a book. I'd say it's 80 per cent sitting and reading, 10 per cent eating and ten per cent painting.
I think artists almost always end up turning to what's around them, what's in their environment or outside their window.
I think there has to be an interesting transformative process between your perception of reality and making the paintings. If you are just trying to render what you see you are not entering into a transformative process. And that's what makes a good painting: the process of transforming and the willingness to leave reality behind.
Some of the pictures are truly mysterious to me. . which is why I so often say publicly that I don't know or don't care what they're really about. And yet I can also say that the paintings are prayers. . that they have to do with whatever it is that makes you want more than what daily life affords.
This is the essence of God's sovereignty; His absolute independence to do as He pleases and His absolute control over the actions of all His creatures. No creature, person, or empire can either thwart His will or act outside the bounds of His will.
There's definitely a melancholic ingredient in our concerts in the United States versus in other places. Many times people feel far away from their place of origin, from their traditions, from their people. And in a way, Café Tacvba's music brings them memories. It seems to connect them with all that they miss, because the concerts are very emotive and have lots of energy. We're very fortunate to have our music connect in that way.
Terrible is the fight put up by the senses. Fight bravely! Conquer them you must.
I'll tell you what does impress me: the fact that a lot of the cats who were our idols are still out there doing it. That impresses me very much.