I finally looked at this page today. As I've been doing a LOT of video constructions lately. But I still haven't updated this page with all those wonderful entries. I've been doing videos on Ronnie Landfield, A short video I made in Joseph Marioni's studio many years back when I had been actively working on the video series. And a few videos on the Guy on the Bike... Loren Munk aka James Kalm. Including one I made the day of his opening at Freight and Volume Gallery in NYC on icy cold February evening.
More are definitely on the way.
The next set of films I shall be editing are on the historian, critic, and curator. The legendary Karen Wilkin, in her NYC home. The story behind visiting her is a funny one. I had been in the process of doing my first run of interviews around NYC that week. I had made appointments with Painter Pat Steir and Karen on the same day. I figured it wouldn't be all that difficult since Karen lives close to Joseph Marioni and I could easily walk back to his place, where I had been staying during this trip. I didn't take into account how HEAVY my camera bags were at the time and how they would hurt by the end of that day from sitting on my shoulders. I definitely didn't think about getting a bag with rollers on it, nor did I have the funds to buy one at that time. SO I dug in and made the first trip to Pat's by way of the subway. Thankfully all I needed that day was the Blue line of the A, C, and E, trains. Just a short trip down to 25th street station and a bit of walking to the other side of Chelsea. I had never been in a building like the one her studio is in. Everything was big sized so each occupant could easily move things in and out. I got up to her floor and like just about everything of that trip, I immediately got lost. I saw a number that matched hers, and knocked. A fella answered and told me it was the room next door. He has a photo studio. Typical of photo studios, everything was white and clean as a whistle. Made me jealous.
I went next door and her assistant let me in and greeted me so nicely. Brought me into the studio of GIANT paintings of her "waterfalls", She has been developing her way of pouring paint down the surface of the canvas which gives way to veils of color and lots of movement. She had been working on paintings I think I may have seen later at her Gallery. My mind was truly blown taking in these statements of movement and energy. UNFORTUNATELY, her assistant told me the bad news that I wouldn't be able to interview her that day. The particulars shall stay between us. I did however speak to her and she told me what had happened. It was definitely a crazy day for her.
I couldn't stay long enough for us to meet and hang for a bit. I politely said good-bye and grabbed my bags and put them on my shoulders again and began the trip of getting out of that building. Once I had made it back to the street, I walked down to the end of the street and said FUCK IT, I'm gonna take a cab up to Karen's. After a few minutes of waiting, I made the decision to just struggle and get my butt to the subway station. Once back up to the 35th street station I made my way over to Karen's place, and was so happy to finally be visiting someone that had many major ties to many of my favorite painters. Once inside Karen's place, she was so happy to see me and we immediately began chatting like a couple people that had known each other for a year. I decided as I wanted to film everyone with the light in their homes, for her I had decided to do everything with my 1.4F stop lens which let's in so much light. I had actually been able to use it for about half of our interview before it got too dark. I now wish I had more of the ME that is today to talk with her as I'm so much better at just chatting with people these days. I think my questions were pretty decent and they led to more talking between us.
You can see the few that are up there now, and wait till I've got a new video uploaded. Should be in the next couple days. For now, click the link and come and enjoy these great interviews.
Have a great day!
Jeffrey Collins
