Richard Avedon and Laura Wilson

[lee]

Tonight in Fort Worth, by God, Texas, Laura Wilson treated us to a slide show and talk and then a Q and A with the man hisownself Richard Avedon. 25 years ago the Amon Carter Museum commissioned Richard Avedon to photograph the common worker in the west. Laura was his assistant for the nearly 6 year project. She, of course, is a photographer in her own right. This is the 4th book she has produced. It is her recollection of the events that took place with Avedon in that 6 year time frame. She made images of Avedon while he interacted with the subjects of the project. Tonight they told stories and Avedon talked about intensity and how to interact with the subjects whether they are royalty or paulpers. Then, of course, they autographed the books which if the truth be told was the reason for the get together in the first place. Avedon is said to be 80 years old and man, I hope I am that energetic at that age. Actually, I will settle for just making to 80. I would estimate that there were about 250 people in attendance tonight. All but a few bought books and had them signed. My wife and I stood in line for a while but left when our stomachs got the better of us. We had la comida mexicanos and it was muy delisoso.

lee\c

 

[photomc]

Lee, I was also there..waited in line to get in, then managed to get the book signed and get out. The slide show/Q&A was really quite fun. You are correct, wish I had that much energy now - Avedon is full of energy, HE BELIEVES IN HIMSELF, and is VERY SURE of what is doing. One note - it was all about the image - not so much the technical part, that is learned and applied, but working with the subject until they were comfortable. Well worth hanging around after work.

 

[Jeremy]

i wish hadn't had to work