Bio

How did you decide to make the move to California?

California was always in my blood, even before moving there. It had a very familar feeling about it. I felt that I was able to express the bohemian side of myself and feel comfortable about it. For me it was a growing experience that I will always feel lucky to have had. In many respects it will always be home for me, although I feel that way about New Orleans, as well.

You mentioned your love of films. What are some of your favorites?

There are so many truly great films that I don't know where to start. I'm afraid of leaving a favorite out, but I will make an honest attempt. A great film for me expresses all the elements of real life and at the same time allows an escape from it. I love films that make you sad and make you happy at the same time because that is more of a true mirror to life. I tend to like films that are emotional roller coasters. A good example of that, but with many more lows than highs, was "Schindler's List". For me that film was almost unbearable to watch and at the same time was what I feel to be one of the greatest achivements in modern movie making. But, I love them all. I would never make a good critic because I usually find something in a film I felt was worth viewing. This is not always the case, but many times I do find something. I love romantic comedies, but I think every film I like a lot has elements of comedy and drama. I greatly admire the older classics and I am a great fan of Oliver and Hardy. I love it all. What can I say?

I hear you're also a great music lover.

I LOVE MUSIC. That's upper case LOVE MUSIC! To me, music is the simpliest and puriest form of expression. It takes us to a higher level. It soothes us into a better way of viewing the world. My favorite teacher was a music teacher that I had for some nine years of school. He cared about his students and it was very important to him that we develop an appreciation of music. He had such a passion for teaching and for music. His goal was to pass on to us an appreciation of fine music. He accomplished that, for I cannot imagine life without music. I enjoy listening to Enya when I sense a Celtic mood coming on and feel like watching the clouds or the trees and sipping on a glass of wine. I love listening to The Stones, or Zeppelin, or The Doors when I'm on a road trip and need some music to compliment the rythem of the road stripes whizzing by me. But, of all these artists I must put The Beatles in a catagory all their own. The Beatles were more than simply music. The Beatles were an era. Not only did they shape the course of modern music and show us a different way of looking at music and the world, but their music will be around long after most others have been forgotten. I cannot imagine what that era would have been like without the Beatles. And yes, I do remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard John Lennon had been shot.

What are your views on politics?

I don't really enjoy talking politics because many people become extremist in their views. I really have zero tolerance for fanatics of any type, religious, political, or otherwise. It's all the same to me. What is important to me is to be able live in a less violent society one day and to leave the planet alone so that we will have drinking water and trees 10 years from now. I don't think that's being extremist. That's wanting to survive!

What are your views on religion?

There is a difference between religion and spirituality. Religion is to spirituality what marriage is to love. It's the state's "validation" of an already existing thing. It doesn't make it truer or richer or better. It just makes it an institution and that is all! I lean toward the eastern beliefs of reincarnation, karma, life force or chi, and feel very comfortable with those beliefs. Everyone is different and everyone's beliefs best reflects their vision of God within themselves. We all do the best we can in a way we know how. I think my life as a whole has affected my beliefs because it is my life experience that makes me who I am. I come to believe the way I do thru events in my life that have lead me here. It makes sense to me. I don't really think you can explain it to another person. It's not something you can lead someone else to. It's not something you can teach anyone or convert anyone to. It's someplace you find on your own. That's what makes it worth finding. It's called your own conclusion, your destiny, your enlightenment, your karma, your belief. It's called whatever you want to call it. But making it into an institution is not going to validate it or make it any more real, or make it the same for everyone. That will just allow people to be more secure in their belief by having others validate them. Find out on your own. That way you can take possesion of it and call it your own.

Where were you born?

I was born in New Orleans. Went to school at the University of New Orleans. My major was Mass Communications. I had a terrific interest in film production and still do. I think I developed my interest in photography from first having an interest in film production. It was easier to buy a Nikon than a Panavision so I ended up pursuing photography. Besides, I could shoot whatever I wanted without having a few million bucks to toss away.

Who would you say was the most influential person in your life?

Without question, my Mom. My Mom taught me that having compassion for others and that having a kind heart did not make you a weak person, but gave you character and inward peace. She was the cataylist for making me strive to be a better person. She left a legacy and an impression that is eternal. She was the best friend I have ever had and the type of person I aspire to be.


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