OK DG-I'm going to try and type my answers to you before I leave for work. Five important voices to me are all artists in their ways. In no specific order and they may not even be my five most important but for now I can't think:
1. David Hockney-an artist whom I know but even if I didn't, he's an important voice. I had the good fortune to hear him speak about art and photography for hours and days on end. (this man loves to talk!) He knows what he's talking about. He's one of the most knowledgeable people on the subjects of Picasso and Matisse that I've ever heard, and his own art is strongly influenced by both men. His theories on photography are inspiring to me and led me to my most recent project- a show of my photo composites this past summer.
2.Federico Fellini-His ability to transport me into his world of surrealism, comedy and tragedy.
3.Tony Kushner-Angels in America affected me deeply, on the stage and on film. I don't even have to talk about the play in two parts-we all know its significance. But since I'm more of a film buff I have to say that the HBO film left me speechless. The many artists who made this flawless film couldn't have done it without the writing of this man.
4.Kenneth Lonergan-I'm just throwing his name in quickly because my favorite play after Angels is Lobby Hero.
5. Quentin Crisp-He's really a hero of mine. Here's a guy who couldn't care less what people thought of him with their ridiculous prejudices. This is exactly how I feel about myself. He was an "in your face" person who made total sense in his views of the world. it doesn't make for an easy life, as anyone who's seen films or documentaries about Crisp, and I relate-I'm not part of any mainstsream and it hasn't been easy, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
OK, the art I like best-I'm more of a modern contemporary art lover than the old classics. I like Hockney, Howard Hodgkin, Warhol, Basquiat, Botero (fat fat fatterson) to name a few.
What I have on my walls are varied-my walls are practically covered! Vainly, I have several portraits of myself done by other artists and photographers. Unfortunately, I sold the piece that Hockney made of me. that's another whole story. oy.
I have a print of Botero, a Hockney poster, some work by local photographers, and of course, lots of my own work!
<-----I'M TOTES ROLLING MY EYES
Updated On: 3/14/06 at 09:50 AM