October 7th - 11:25

Title: October 7th - 11:25 Medium: Super-8 film Aspect Ratio: 4:3 Resolution: 2880 x 2160 File Type: H.264 Codec / MP4. Comments: Yael asked me to tag along with her and the family to meet one of the most important living artists of our time, Ai Weiwei. She curated a show with him a few years ago in Los Angeles and his bronze Chinese zodiac sculptures are on public display at the LACMA. I first learned about this legendary artist while I was in art school at SVA early on in 2010 in contemporary photo history class. He is a renegade artist that fights for human rights and political activism to fight censorship and thwart authoritarian governments with his powerful vision and voice. His photography work was a big "fuck you" to the man, throwing up the middle finger in beautifully printed black and white photographs of historical landmarks like the Capitol building in DC or Tiananmen square in China. Ai works between all the mediums available to channel his critical and whimsical voice. Criticizing control, capitalism, culture through his subtle yet impactful touch. When we rolled up to his compound I was nervous. Not so much starstruck as I do have deep respect for this important artist. I spoke only when spoken to and was present for every word. It was not my meeting, since Yael was talking business about the next curation. I was there to hold space, and to hopefully make art with the most legendary artist alive. I sat quietly and was intimidated by his strong presence. He served us all tea, which was an admirable and kind gesture. I had my Rollieflex strapped to my chest and walked to his pool to give them space and make a few photos in his garden with his assistant. They called me over as it was time to walk to the construction site of his next major project. The wooden architecture, something like a grandeur theater. All made and put together by hand. Yael suggested now was the time to ask him to make his portrait. I did a big gulp and walked over to Ai Weiwei and shared a bit about the project I was working on. Hoping he would grant me 10 seconds to make his portrait. He nodded yes and started counting in his head. I did not waste any time and started shooting. As soon as we began it concluded; Ai said, okay that was 10 seconds. I held the shutter down as long as I could before he walked away. It was a funny and dreamlike moment for me. To include Ai in this project is a miracle to me and a testament to where I am on this creative path and even belong in the art world. To do what is right, to follow in the footsteps of someone like Ai Weiwei and make meaningful work about humanity. We spent the afternoon as a group and shortly after this video we departed back to the city. Unbeknownst to us all this day way change the world forever. A war had broke out in the middle east. How symbolic to make art with one of the most prolific, on this day, a political catastrophe. Halfway into the project exactly. Now is the time to start. To rise up and make the message clear. How can we create something that brings everyone together than tear us all apart? To learn from the best and to create something that unites our shared humanity. To end the conflicts and control, and move into a paradigm of truth and connection. This is the dream, that someday we can manifest into reality. Peace at last. Love forever. Working together to make the human race evolve into the universe than fighting on this beautiful Earth. I have faith that someday. We will overcome.