“ Painting is so poetic, while sculpture is more logical and scientific and makes you worry about gravity. Damien Hirst
“ The difference between art about death and actual death is that one's a celebration and the other's a dull fact. Damien Hirst
“ I always look at money not as a motivating factor but as an element in the composition. You can't ignore it, but you've got to be very careful that it's not motivating you. Damien Hirst
“ No, I don't believe in genius. I believe in freedom. I think anyone can do it. Anyone can be like Rembrandt. Damien Hirst
“ I have always been aware that you have to get people listening before you can change their minds. Any artist's big fear is being ignored, so if you get debate, that's great. Damien Hirst
“ It's amazing what you can do with an E in A-Level art, a twisted imagination and a chainsaw. Damien Hirst
“ Kids are naturally gifted at art from a very young age. The problem is when they get older and become self-conscious. The process should always be fun, though. Damien Hirst
“ The idea of going on tour for the rest of my life with old works is not that exciting. As an artist I definitely think the work in future is going to be better than the work in the past, otherwise why… Damien Hirst
“ 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 wi… Damien Hirst
“ But I think it's more that when you're young, you're invincible, you're immortal - or at least you think you are. The possibilities are limitless, you're inventing the future. Then you get older and s… Damien Hirst
“ In an artwork you're always looking for artistic decisions, so an ashtray is perfect. An ashtray has got life and death. Damien Hirst
“ Great art - or good art - is when you look at it, experience it and it stays in your mind. I don't think conceptual art and traditional art are all that different. Damien Hirst
“ I've been asked to do a retrospective since I was about 28 and I always thought that was a bit odd. It's great to look forward as an artist because in the future the possibilities are infinite you loo… Damien Hirst
“ Since I was a child, death is definitely something that I think about every day. But I think that everybody does. You try and avoid it, but it's such a big thing that you can't. Damien Hirst
“ I always feel like the art's there and I just see it, so it's not really a lot of work. 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,… Damien Hirst
“ I like the confusion you get between science and religion … that’s where belief lies and art as well. Damien Hirst
