Art can be learnt, but not taught.

"Art can't be taught. You can learn and be taught the craft of it, the way things are made, but the things an artist makes and we the audience consume come from somewhere far more complex and unteachable. Which, just to complicate the argument, does not mean that they can't be learnt - they just can't be taught."

Hamish Keith in Native Wit. p 93

"Keith's witty, revealing memoir, gives readers an insight into his well-lived, rich and immensely varied life. Whether as a confrere of Colin McCahon, the chairman of the Arts Council, husband of Oscar-wining film costume dseigner Ngila Dickson, bon vivant and accomplished chef or arch enemy of doddering bureaucrats, Keith has a dynamic personality and a trenchant analysis that makes him a pleasure to read."


"Gets by on native wit unsupported by hard work." ADH