HUGH MENDES
“When I was about 6, my parents took me to a Picasso exhibition. I saw his ‘Head of a Bull’ piece made from a bicycle saddle and handlebars for horns. I thought “I could do that!”
Where is your studio and how long have you been there? Space Studios, The Triangle, Mare Street, Hackney. 5 Years.
What is your earliest memory of art? When I was about 6, my parents took me to a Picasso exhibition. I saw his ‘Head of a Bull’ piece made from a bicycle saddle and handlebars for horns. I thought “I could do that!”
If you could own any work of art, which would it be? Something small… maybe Vermeer’s The Lacemaker, or Rembrandt’s The Flayed Ox.
When and where are you happiest? Probably when meditating, such as recently at a place called Jikoji in the Santa Cruz hills.
What is your greatest fear? Death.
What is your greatest extravagance? Could be cocktails.
If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be? Something to do with the nature of the universe…?
Which natural gift would you most like to possess? A musical talent, such as Charlie Parker had with his saxophone.
What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? Some kind of sudden disability, like loss of sight.
What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? Selling some work to a major institution, for a lot of money.
What is your favourite drink? Margarita.
What is your current state of mind? Calm and focussed.
Who is your favourite fictional hero? Don Quixote.
Who is your favourite fictional villain? Leatherface.
If you had a superpower, what would it be? Something time related, like travel and stopping.
Tell us a joke. Pavarotti dies and goes to heaven. St. Peter at the gates says ‘just a moment’ and then… ‘Hey Jesus, here’s that tenner I owe you!’
Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? Currently John Cale, Paris 1919; Werner Herzog, Aguirre Wrath of God; Richard Brautigan, Dreaming of Babylon.
Which three historical figures would you like to have lunch with? How about Rembrandt, Goya and Picasso.
What or who has been the biggest influence to your practice? Perhaps Paul Hedge from Hales Gallery, who challenged me to paint a newspaper clipping, coinciding with 9/11.
What is your motto? Treasure every moment.
http://hughmendes.com/