I work in several different groups of pictures which act on and with each other – ranging from several abstracted manners to a form for the surreal. I have been called a preacher – but in reality, I’m more generally philosophical. I have never made an abstracted photograph without content. An educated background of Zen influences all of my photographs.
— Ralph Eugene Meatyard, 1961
Ralph Eugene Meatyard was another of my most important influences as a younger photographer. His influence is still evident in my work to this day. His sensitivity to light and his inventive and playful eye are an inspiration and serve as a reminder and a tool to help break me from the inevitable creative block that occurs every few years.
When I first was exposed to Duane Michaels in 1985 photography for me took on a whole new meaning and purpose. Performance and storytelling became much more meaningful to me than documentation of a moment. The question is the truth, not the answer.
I recently bought close up rings for my old Hasselblad and it had given the old girl new life! I have yet to see what direction it will push or pull me, but for now I will play.
There was a desert wind blowing that night. It was one of those hot dry Santa Anas that come down through the mountain passes and curl your hair and make your nerves jump and your skin itch. On nights like that every booze party ends in a fight. Meek little wives feel the edge of the carving knife and study their husbands’ necks. Anything can happen. You can even get a full glass of beer at a cocktail lounge.
“Red Wind” (short story, 1938), published in Trouble Is My Business (1939)
