New York resident Sue Kwon has enprinted a heavy footprint upon the photography world, giving us a slew of both commercial and documentary photography that influences one to record their own lives through photos. Shooting legends like Biggie and the Beastie Boys, she photograped a transitional period in our lives that gave us a look into the epic tranformation of Hip Hop, while also allowing us to see the dwindling remains of what many remember as old New York. With a recent show being completed over at Clic Gallery, and the newly released Street Level, compiling a 20 year collection of her work, we had a few questions of what such experiences and wisdom this could bring.
Thanks so much for doin this interview, its a huge honor. Let’s see where should we start….
Let’s start with the weather. It’s getting chilly outside Winter’s right around the corner, excited or not so much?
Sure, love the change of seasons;i just hope it really blizzards this year, the snow days are far and few in between.
You do anything epic over the summer ? Cruise? Roadtrip? Kite Flying?
Hmmmm, my summer was pretty much spent in a toxic, smelly black/white darkroom printing for the show i had in september and not sleeping much. is that epic or just plain dull?
Mmm darkroom fumes. epic.
You’ve been a huge influence to a lot of aspiring photographers, when did you first get bit by the shutterbug? What caused it?
While a self-absorbed teenager,i stumbled upon a Sebastiao Salgado (whom i had never heard of) show in paris;his images made me stop and consider others, rather than just the little world of Sue Kwon. That was the moment i saw “photography” from a completely different perspective. To be cheesy, the imagery haunted and moved me.
How long was it before you first gallery show?
12 years
When did you have your official “i’ve made it” moment?
Sorry, dont really know if ive actually had that exact “i’ve made it” revelation, yet. However…. the moment christopher walken asked, “sue, would you like some tea?” was quite an epic moment for me…
HA! Lucky!
With the internet there is an abundance of photography both known AND unknown out there circulating and inspiring. What have you stumbled across lately that has caught your eye or inspired you?
Of lately, i love checking out: lostnewyorkcity, Forgotten-NY, Shorpy…they all focus on the limbs of ny that are either very old, holding their last stand amongst franchise giants or sadly closed and gone…love shorpy’s; they have amazing photos that are mostly at least 100 yrs old. look:
So, you just published a book, tell us about that eh?
It’s called “Street Level” published by testify books/Dana Albarella James. I didn’t want it to be “celebrity-centric”. Rather, a tribute to the various nooks and crannies of this crazy, amazing city, with a sprinkling of some of the “celebs” i have been fortunate to shoot over the years. We will be having a book release/signing party sometime in November 09. hope you can make it.
I’m there!
Ok here some randoms…Who’s coffee table would you love to see your book on?
barack obama
true.
Whats you favorie camera ever?
rolleiflex TLR
What’s your favorite Ben & Jerry’s flavor?
Vanilla Heath Bar Crunk
Favorite board game?
ugh. bored games.
To be or not to be?
THAT is the question!
Hello or Goodbye?
Hello AND goodbye. people need space.
Feel that.. Ok thanks!
No thank YOU!
Scoop up your copy of Sue Kwon’s “Street Level” HERE
