Cardinal Mahony Holding My Book

What a kick. Cardinal Mahony holding my book "The Making of the Lords of Flatbush"

Cardinal Mahony and I met today in his Los Angeles office where I told him of my experience of being invited to the Vatican as one of 220 selected artists from all over the world. And what an honor it was to hear Pope Benedict's "Address to Artists" in the Sistine Chapel. He knew that this was the first time since the Renaissance that a Pontiff hosted artists in the Chapel. The historic event got very little press here in America and the Cardinal is hoping to help change that. I informed him that I am putting together a photographic installation in a top gallery where I will have a 16 foot high photo of the Pope sitting in front of "The Last Judgement" with Life Size Cut Outs of the Swiss Guards and the Clergy. He agreed to pose for one of the Cut Outs and said he will come to the exhibition. He also invited me to photograph him in his Vestments either before or after a Sunday Service. I agreed. He went on to say how he knew my work and recognized me when I first walked in to his office. Needless to say I was blown away.

Picture of the Week #65 "Paris Shirts"

Picture of the Week #65 "Paris Shirts" Paris, France 2006 Signed and Stamped

I am a compulsive window shopper. Not to buy but to look. Parisian storefronts offer great still lifes for pictures and this one definitely caught my eye. We were walking along in the 6th Arrondisemont window shopping when these brightly colored shirts just leaped out at me. "Take my picture, take my picture" they called out. So I did, and now I share them with you.

Picture of the Week #64 "Mustaches in the Phantom City"

Picture of the Week #64 "Mustaches in the Phantom City" Phantom City, India 2000 Signed and Stamped

On our trip to Bhutan we had to stop off in Delhi, India where we spent a few days visiting The Taj Mahal, the Red Fort and the Phantom City. Most people photograph the structures, I prefer the people. Yes, I have many pictures of the extraordinary architecture, but what always fascinates me are the people. As in this picture, they are not always Tourists. Or perhaps the guy lying down is taking a break from the sightseeing. Either way I like the composition, the color and the flavor of that memorable day caught in an instant.

Picture of the Week #63 "March of the Toreadors"

Picture of the Week #63 "March of the Toreadors" Madrid, Spain 1987 Signed and Stamped

I know it is not politically correct these days but I have always loved Bull fighting. I look at it as a rite. A ballet. A ritual. And the bull is sold immediately after in the arena's butcher shop. Yes, there are "bad kills". And as an animal lover I hate it when the horses are injured. But when I weigh the good with the bad and it is always a close race, I still love to see them. I have followed bull fighters from the dressing room to the chapel where they pray before each encounter. And then right down into the "Plaza de Toros". The spectacle, and even the dedication are extraordinary shows. And finally into an all tiled room where they hang the bull upside down and sell the freshly cut meat. It's the same as buying meat in a super market, only this time you witnessed the animal's demise. I know it sounds terrible, but I also believe there is an art to the event. Maybe one day I'll change my mind. But if I go back to Spain, I will still line up to see them. That is, if they still allow them.

Picture of the Week #62 "Bahamian Police"

Picture of the Week #62 "Bahamian Police" Nassau, Bahamas 1970 Signed and Stamped

In 1970 I produced and directed a 90 minute film for Clive Davis and Columbia/CBS Records featuring 53 major recording artists including Barbra Streisand, Johnny Cash, Chicago, Santana, and more. The film was a series of Music Videos promoting the artist's new song release on the label and was screened at the Columbia Records convention in Nassau. It was a huge success and I decided to hang out and recoup after a blistering 5 months of film making. On my strolls around the island I stumbled upon the Police Station where they were just breaking role call. This was one of the images that I later went on to paint and have cherished. It always captured the heat of the noonday sun and the warmth of the Caribbean for me.