But I'm more interested in why people are frightened by Jaws and why Jaws was such a hit than saying Spielberg's my main influence. Damien Hirst frightenhitinfluence Change image and share on social
A lot of people thought I wasn't doing anything because I was spending a lot of time socialising and going out, but I've always managed to get work actually done. Damien Hirst havelotmanage Change image and share on social
I'm 43. I'm not ready to sit down in a chair with my name on it yet. Damien Hirst chairreadysit Change image and share on social
I had a passport where I wrote 'artist' under 'occupation' and I remember thinking, 'That's it, it's proved!' Damien Hirst artistoccupationpassport Change image and share on social
It'd be nice to make lots of money but it's quite difficult, because every time I make lots of money I make a bigger piece that costs lots of money. Damien Hirst bigcostdifficult Change image and share on social
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 with more vigour and energy. The fact that flowers don't last for ever makes them beautiful. Damien Hirst avoidbackbeautiful share on social
I think money is important for everyone, because the lack of it is so painful. Damien Hirst importantlackmoney Change image and share on social
It's amazing what you can do with an E in A-Level art, a twisted imagination and a chainsaw. Damien Hirst amazeartchainsaw Change image and share on social
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 look back and it's all fixed so it's a scary thing. Damien Hirst artistaskback share on social
I remember when you used to have your profession on your passport and I always thought that being a painter was the best one to be, because my heroes were Goya and Francis Bacon. Damien Hirst baconfrancisgoya Change image and share on social