R.I.P. Lucian Freud

It would not be too grand a statement nor an exaggeration to say that Lucian Freud was without doubt until a couple days ago one of the greatest living painters of his time and also our time. For decades he has captured raw emotions and people, his friends in a way that is his and his alone. I was mesmerised early on by the late Francis Bacon, Freud's friend an contemporary. It grew to become an obsession one fo my best friends in school at the time, Ria Kirby who is also a viciuosly talented artist was inspired by Lucian Freud.

Many years later, I bumped into Ria and Mr. Freud at the Wolseley, she was his art handler at the time and later sat for him, all this from a chance meeting. It reminded me that art is a living thing and someone who has contributed to the history of art in the way that Mr. Freud has will be remembered, and his paintings will always be around and loved.

R.I.P Lucian Freud

8 December 1922 – 20 July 2011 (88 years old)

R.I.P. Leroy Grannis

Dubbed, by the NYT as the "godfather of surfphotography". Leroy Grannis was legendary for what he captured of the surf scene in the 1960's and 1970's and is the stuff of legends, iconic. It is from his pictures that the romance, the adventure, the fun of surfing was revealed to me. It is not just a sport, it is a lifestyle. It is beautiful.

"There's surfing royalty, and he was one of the kings," his son said. "He inspired so many big-name photographers that consider him their mentor."

1969, California also cover of his book published by Taschen.

1969, LeRoy Grannis surfing Hermosa Beach with his Calypso amphibious camera, invented by another aquatic legend– Jacques Cousteau. Photo by John Grannis.

RIP Leroy Grannis. 1917-2011. Thank you.

All Photographs ©LeRoy Grannis. All rights reserved.

R.I.P. Louise Bourgeois

Madame, in your very long life, you inspired, provoked and led the way for so many younger artists who were able to do what they do following in your footsteps. Your work was yours and yours alone. Thank you for the inspiration.

R.I.P Louise Bourgeois

R.I.P. Joseph

Joseph or Joe was was one of the most inspiring and visionary men I have ever met, he was my mentor's mentor and in turn taught me a lot of what I know especially when I was new to Paris and he showed me the ropes and really took care of me . . . drinks at the Montelambert, the Bistro de Paris and more drinks at the Costes . . . all his wonderful stories..

A man of kindness, generosity and never ending curiousity and creativity . . .and let's not forget great style and taste . . . Joe with his immaculate suits and cigar.

You will be greatly missed and I am so sad but I'm sure you are now in peace as your suffering has ended.

R.I.P Joe . . .with love, always

R.I.P. Alexander Mcqueen

A true legend, icon and pure genius. . . but-for Lee my love for fashion would not have been so great nor would I have been so inspired by it, he showed through his work, a world that was not just fashion anymore but something more.  From my first pair of Mcqueen bumster jeans to dresses and jackets over the years, and imagery and moods . . yet clothes that look and felt so good.

I will always remain a fan - thank you for the inspiration and your vision.  May you rest in peace Mr. Mcqueen.

R.I.P. JD Salinger

Thank you for Holden, Franny and Zooey and to how you profondly influenced the way that we look at the world.  Your works will remain with us forever  . . .Catcher in the Rye remains to this day one of my all time favourite books and opened the door to so many others.

R.I.P. JD Salinger . . . (January 1, 1919 - January 27, 2010)

R.I.P. Daul Kim

R.I.P. Patrick Swayze

It was sad to wake up this morning and hear that Patrick Swayze had passed away.  I grew up with Dirty Dancing and to this day it remains one of my favourite movies and soundtracks for the story, the dancing and sentimental value - Johnny and Baby.  I also remembering swooning over Patrick Swayze in Ghost and later in Point Break.  So in many ways he played quite a large part in my growing up as I watched his movies on repeat . . .such joy as well as thinking back now such defining times. Thank you.

Condolences to his friends and family and R.I.P Parick Swayze

R.I.P Dash Snow

It is always very very sad and tragic when a young artist, especially with talent and his own unique voice passes away . . . so young as well . . . but in Dash Snow's case, it would appear that he really did LIVE . . . and live to the fullest . . . and he did produce work, A LOT of work . . . which I love (the photographs and graffiti particularly) -  and respect - it always provokes thought, challenges, was simple yet ironic and oddly beautiful.

Condolences to his family and friends . . . 

  

R.I.P. Dash Snow