Connection
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Herb Ritts, Duo II
1990 | Platinum print
Edition of 25, Signed on verso
NFS
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Growing up in the 90s, long before I developed any interest in art, I still somehow knew the name Herb Ritts. I think it's because my mom was a Cindy Crawford fan, and she and Herb would collaborate regularly. (I still remember joining my mom when she would work out to Cindy's fitness videos.)
This was the first Herb Ritts piece I acquired; I won it at auction through Doyle Auctions in New York, and it’s still one of my favorite pieces that I’ve ever purchased at auction. It’s hard not to appreciate Herb’s work— the simplicity, elegance, lighting, contrast, composition, and vulnerability of his subjects all contribute to a timeless quality that is consistent in his work.
Since moving to NYC, I’ve realized what I was missing in LA: connection. Southern California, with all its beauty (interpret that however you want), can be extremely isolating. I especially felt that during my last two years of living in LA. At the time, I couldn’t pinpoint why I was feeling a bit blue and uninspired—sure, COVID played a role and so did selling my company—but after living in NYC for the past 3 months, I’ve quickly realized what I love most about being here: feeling connected with other people.
There’s a collective energy and drive about New York that I haven’t felt in any other city. It’s intoxicating and inspiring. There’s an ease about connecting with people here too—people seem more open, vulnerable, and less guarded. Maybe I just got lucky with the friends I’ve made, but the trope of New Yorkers being gruff couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes, you have to be tough to live here, but the people have been so welcoming in a way that I never experienced while living (my entire life) in LA.
That was a long-winded way of me saying: every time I look at this photo, it reminds me of connection and intimacy.
With all that being said, the irony isn’t lost on me here: I’m referencing a photo that was taken in Los Angeles, by an LA-born and raised photographer, to talk about how much I love New York City and how isolating LA felt 🤷
