Picture of the Week #442 "Class Outing" Giza, Egypt 1989 Signed & Stamped

It started when I was given $10,000 per diem and a first class round trip ticket from L.A. to Tokyo for an art show of my work. I asked if I could exchange it so I could go around the world. They said yes, and even gave me an additional $500 as believe it or not but around the world was cheaper than a return flight. I remember the car taking me from the airport out to Giza to my hotel. I saw the pyramids literally across the street. When the bellman opened my shutters I was flabbergasted to see just how close. I immediately grabbed my cameras and headed out. I walked past guides with their camels offering for me to take them. I shrugged them off at first and  just walked around on my own snapping away. After being inundated by everyone asking me to take them or sticking out their hands for some coins I quickly realized that the best way to stop them was to hire one. I did. He and his camel took me around. When we were at the largest of the pyramids I found a group of students with their teacher. I motioned that I would like to take their picture. They lined up obligingly. And here you have it. 

Picture of the Week #441 "Park Sculpture" Beverly Hills, California 2017 Signed & Stamped

On my way to my car I passed this sculpture that I had passed many many times before, but not with this dramatic lighting. I whipped out my handy camera and took a couple of quick shots before the sky darkened. I did very little manipulation to heighten this already surreal image. I was hoping to come up with a clever title but nothing seemed to  fit. 

Picture of the Week #440 "Anonymous" Los Angeles, California 2015 Signed & Stamped

When I was photographing downtown street artists I came across SEK. That was his "handle" or nick name while his real name was James. A very sweet and intelligent young man who had been incarcerated when he was 12, a junkie and an all around fuck-up. He made a complete turn around with his life and now makes these extraordinary paintings with very intellectual statements. When you read what he is saying you realize you are dealing with a very bright and deep thinking young man. The wall & window behind him are his paintings. 

Picture of the Week #439 "Operatic" Hong Kong, China 2007 Signed & Stamped

I was asked to place a large painting of mine in a Christies auction in Hong Kong. The woman who asked me was running a gallery in San Francisco and was placing some of their paintings and thought mine would be a good fit. She was wrong. It didn't sell. But I did go around and get lots of photos, had a great time and got this picture of the Opera star. If memory serves me correctly it was at the "Bun Festival". I'd love to describe what the "Bun Festival" is only it's beyond me and would be better served if it was Googled. 

Picture of the Week #438 "The Lords" Brooklyn, New York 1972 Signed & Stamped

These boys helped change my life. Yes, this is from "The Lords of Flatbush" my first feature motion picture that I wrote, produced & directed back in 1972. It was the first film for Sylvester Stallone before "Rocky", and Henry Winkler before "Fonzie". And Perry King, on the right replaced Richard Gere after I was pushed and convinced to replace him. Richard was terrific and responsible for some of the best dialog in the pigeon coop with Sly and thankfully Perry did a wonderful job in reciting what Richard had ad libbed. As "Rocky" & "Happy Days" went on to great heights, it gave my film additional distribution and I for one am very happy.

Picture of the Week # 437 "Guarding Lenin"  Moscow, Russia 1988 Signed & Stamped

With all the talk of Russia in the news these days I thought I would post this image of Soldiers guarding Lenin's tomb. I was in Russia for the first Soviet / American interchange of film makers. They showed our films but didn't have subtitles. So one man sat in the back of the theater and translated all of the parts. Man, woman, and child. I was inspired to photograph wherever I went especially Red Square. Would I return? I doubt it although my dear wife has not been and maybe one day if peace prevails then I would take her. 

Picture of the Week # 436 "Where To Go" Hong Kong, China 2007 Signed & Stamped

I had two paintings in auction at Christies in Hong Kong China. I used the potential sale as the reason to go over there with Sarah Zhu who was responsible for placing the paintings. Sadly they didn't reach my reserve price. On the other hand I still enjoy the images as one is hanging in my living room. Happily the prices have gone way up since, but I am not placing any images into auction in the foreseeable future. I am zeroed in with my photography and have decided to hold off selling any paintings for a while. This photo was taken in the Musuem stairwell. I couldn't have choreographed it any better.