youaretheinspiration March 28, 2008

I have been doing some talks and interviews where I am asked if I am influenced or inspired by anyone, to do what I do (photography). And of course people try compare what you do with someone else as a point of reference and discussion – especially if they can’t show the pictures at any great size. The Independent in 1998 reported my work as being like Matisse, Rothko and Caravaggio – all painters! On the photography front a few students have confused me with Martin Parr. Indeed when I was a student Mr Parr came to my Final Year show and said how much he liked what I did. Invited me to his home in Birkenhead. I was polite but in actual fact I have never liked his work – it is unkind and a bit pratty for my liking. Rather I used to look at pictures (and feel they were my friends) by Donald McCullin – an Englishman, and by August Sander – a German, and by Robert Frank – a Swiss-American, and by W.Eugene Smith and by Elliot Erwitt – both Americans. For years I hated Cindy Sherman’s work then saw it in a show in Stockholm and decided she was fab.

Can one artistic medium be translated into another? Because when growing up I listened and listen still to Bruce Springsteen and Ian Hunter and (Bob Dylann of course) and Van Morrison and Joni Mitchell and saw and see great pictures. I can’t imagine how crass and repetitive music by Martin Parr would be if it was a translation of his photography!

A painter has recently caught my eye. His work is ‘brave’and makes me feel truly alive and inspired and sexy. John Currin. In what will appear like a disease (for some) or an addictive drug (for others) his work is just arriving in England for the first time at the shady Sadie Coles Gallery in London’s Mayfair. I know if I was there and saw it I would walk awkwardly out of there, run and jump home afterwards punching the air and saying YES, YES! Seeing humanity and fantastic things in every-body.

By the way, YOU are the inspiration.

by Stuart Roy Clarke