What is the best thing that I love about my work? FOR ME, EVERYTHING! I love coming up with the ideas, though I make myself crazy along the way. I love when I can take an idea from my head to the camera to print and it actually comes out the way I envisioned. And I love working with my friends. I feel like my job is playing dress up or sometimes “dress down” with my friends. I can’t even call it a job. And I can’t believe my friends go along with my wack-a-doo ideas!
What is my idea of perfect happiness?
My family. Based on the decisions I made earlier in my life, I feel so wildly blessed to have ended up with the family I did. I feel so lucky to be able to do what I do
and kind of earn a living. So I guess what I’m saying is gratitude equals happiness. To me, happiness is definitely a choice. I actually remember the day I chose it.
What is my greatest fear?
Not having the people in my life that I have.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
Being judgmental of other people in any way.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?
I am surrounded by the most incredible group of photographers in Los Angeles and now through the internet, around the world. I admire people like Julia Dean, Aline Smithson, Richard Cartwright, Eric Josephs, Sarah Hadley…Honestly I could go on, but those
people in particular are people who I find to be so generous with their own gifts & generous with their time. And patient!
What is my greatest extravagance?
I love shopping and fashion waaaaay too much! Especially online shopping. It’s true.
On what occasion would I lie?
Shopping! My husband will look at something and say “Is that new?” NO! hahahahahaha! Then I usually fess up. Or say it was on sale!
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
Having to put it all together without any help! Though I’m a control freak so it’s probably for the best!
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
Usually when I’m shooting with my girls. We have the best time! I am so grateful to have them. They are the best and I get such joy in the friendships that are made on set!
If I could, what would I change about myself?
I wouldn’t have to exercise! I’d be secure in my looks. I’d be less defensive in many situations. Whoa, this is a lot of honesty.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
I think my HER series so far. I took my own life and was able to create something that other women connected and related to. I also feel great achievement after I finish a new piece and it actually works. There are many that never see the light of day!
Where would I most like to live?
Probably New York City.
What is my most treasured possession?
My family by far.
What is my most marked characteristic?
Probably my short hair and the fact that I look exactly like my Bitmoji. I’ve had the same haircut most of my life. Every few years I’m in style.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
Probably my home. Maybe even my bed. It’s where I do most of my work. Don’t read that the wrong way! I’m not a good sleeper so I spend a good portion of the night thinking of ideas.
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?
Katsuya sushi. Los Angeles has the best sushi and I never get tired of it.
What books influenced my life and how?
I’m a slow reader. My husband proposed in a letter and he had to go the bathroom three times during the time it took me to read it. I didn’t
want to miss anything. I did love Judy Blum growing up. I also loved the darker books like Go Ask Alice. My favorites of the classic is definitely To Kill A Mockingbird.
As a grown up, my favorite book is probably The Alchemist. Though I did go through a major Willa Cather obsession. But lately I read mostly non-fiction. I’m a news Junkie and am obsessed with the news magazine The Week. It’s like winning the lottery every Saturday when it shows up.
Who are my favorite writers?
Willa Cather. Jane Austin, which I still find so applicable to todays world.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
I’m going to admit this… Broadway show tunes. We have a rule in our family. I listen to show tunes in my car. My husband listens to metal in his car.
I’m also a classic rock junkie. I love 70’s on 7.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
I don’t have heros in books. I do quite admire Addicus Finch. My husband has that honorability.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
My parents have been together for almost 57 years. They bicker constantly but they get through everything. There have been MANY things that would cause most humans to throw in the towel, together and in their own lives, but they get through everything.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?
I was just talking about this with my 13 year old son. My personal favorite is Terms Of Endearment but in a close second are Blazing Saddles, Animal House and The Exorcist.
What role plays art in my life and work?
Nothing in my life is off limits. I try to use everything in my art. And vice versa, I try to see everything as art — mostly surreal art!
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
Definitely my husband! He makes it all possible. Kids too. I apologized to my ten year old yesterday for being so weird and she said “You’re not weird, Mom. You’re a limited edition.”
Whom would I like to work with in 2017?
I’d like just to keep working and having ideas in 2017.
Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2017?
I’d like to meet an agent. I’ve always used my full time “mom”-ing as an excuse to remain in my own little world, but I’d love to do what I do for people in the fashion world, who I admire!
What project, in 2017, am I looking forward to work on?
I want to finish my ICE series and start something new.
Where can you see me or my work in 2017?
You can see my work at Ralph Pucci New York and Ralph Pucci Los Angeles. The most gorgeous showrooms on either coast!
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
If I’m not doing what I love, I shouldn’t be doing it. My mentor Julia Dean told me that Berenice Abbott told her “You should always be working on project
that gets you excited to get out of bed in the morning.”
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
Julia Dean! The greatest photography teacher of all time!
How can you contact me?
Passion Never Retires 