The best way to begin is to say: Balthus is a painter of whom nothing is known. And now let us have a look at his paintings.
It's taken me a long time to become the person I am, for all the ugliness to fall away. The rotten flesh is gone, and the seed is there. I can touch that now.
I love places that have an incredible history. I love the Italian way of life. I love the food. I love the people. I love the attitudes of Italians.