Please, help to translate

[alexey]

Hello everyone. I'm a torifan from Russia and sometimes I translate Tori articles and interviews to russian toriphiles. In the last article I've met serious problems translating one sentence. It comes from MSN Music (you can find the whole article on undented.com), where Tori says: "Part of me has been very inspired by reading about how Max Ernst or Georgia O’Keefe achieved results without ripping off their platelets". I can't understand the meaning of 'ripping off their platelets' phrase. Is it some kind of modern idiom or another Tori-riddle? Any help whould be appreciated.

[*Herry*]

Hi, alexey.
Yep, this is a classic example of 'Tori-speak'! This one's especially kooky, but I think I get the general idea. I read up a little on Max Ernst and Georgia O'Keefe to get a bit of context, and what I surmise from my reading is that perhaps the 'ripping off their platelets' bit is another way of saying 'without going crazy or giving up on their work'.

Platelets have important functions in the human body, so without them, or a lack of them, can cause major problems.
In drawing a common theme between Max Ernst and Georgia O'Keefe, I found that they have both been major figures in art, developing their own style/technique. They both experienced hurdles and complications along the way, but both persisted with their art and became very successful.
It is possibly these complications that may have threatened the two artists with madness, or simply just giving up on their craft.
Tori herself has experienced controversy and complications herself (especially with the Atlantic recording company), but again, each time she fought for her art and has become quite successful. And without ripping off her platelets!

I hope this helps, but if anyone has anything to add, please do! I don't know these artists very well.

[alexey]

Thanks a lot! That makes sense, especially that part about common theme between Max Ernst and Georgia O'Keefe. I'll try to put it in words in my translation.