David Hockney has been one of my favorite artists in painting and obviously photography. When I first moved to LA in 2015 his bright, sunny, and colorful depiction of Los Angeles, its canyons and swimming pools and roadways resonated with my own impression of the city. But it was his photocollages that truly influenced me. Initially the instant photography, and later the 35mm collages were so inspiring. His book, CAMERAWORKS, is my favorite art book. At every stage and age when I open it I am immediately swept away into a world of analogue and art and old LA. It is guaranteed inspiration, like a fever dream of inspiration, awe, and panic at all the interval time spent not creating art.
Hockney died a few days ago at 88 years old. Its an interesting thing when someone you admire from a far distance passes away. Its like I always took quiet subconscious comfort in knowing that he was out there somewhere being an artist for the rest of us wannabees, keeping that artist dream alive for us all, but now, he's not anymore.
His passing coincides with the completion of my most expansive photocollage yet. Spanning 4-5 rolls of 35mm Kodak Gold 200 and about a month of work. It is of the front of Buzz Ct which we are imminently leaving. I am happy with it. It captures the spirit of this slice of Silver Lake that we have been lucky enough to call home all these years. And with the tree in its late spring early summer bloom, its beautiful.
RIP Hockney and we will miss you Buzz.
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