Role Models

1. Embracing the unconventional: John Waters' cult heroes and role models

"Tennessee Williams saved my life."

Unconventional inspirations. John Waters' artistic vision was shaped by a diverse array of outsiders, misfits, and provocateurs. From the flamboyant Little Richard to the enigmatic Cy Twombly, Waters found inspiration in those who dared to challenge societal norms.

Celebrating the misunderstood. Waters' admiration for figures like Leslie Van Houten, a former Manson Family member, demonstrates his ability to see humanity in even the most controversial individuals. This perspective allows him to explore complex themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the human capacity for change in his work.

2. The power of outsider art: Bobby Garcia and David Hurles' subversive pornography

"Bobby Garcia is a great artist but doesn't know it."

Raw authenticity. Waters celebrates the unfiltered, amateur quality of Bobby Garcia's Marine pornography and David Hurles' "Old Reliable" photographs. These works capture a gritty reality that mainstream art often shies away from.

Challenging conventions. By elevating these underground artists, Waters questions the boundaries between art and pornography, forcing viewers to confront their own prejudices and preconceptions about sexuality and representation in art.

3. Transforming neuroses into creativity: Finding inspiration in the peculiar

"Use your insanity to get ahead."

Embracing quirks. Waters advocates for accepting and even celebrating one's neuroses, viewing them as potential sources of creative inspiration rather than obstacles to overcome.

Turning weakness into strength. By reframing personal struggles and eccentricities as unique perspectives, Waters encourages artists to channel their inner turmoil into distinctive and compelling works of art.

4. The allure of danger: Little Richard's wild persona and musical legacy

"Little Richard scared my grandmother in 1957."

Disruptive energy. Little Richard's explosive performances and boundary-pushing persona exemplify the transformative power of rock and roll, challenging societal norms and paving the way for future generations of artists.

Complexity of idols. Waters' encounter with Little Richard later in life reveals the nuanced reality behind the iconic image, highlighting the challenges of reconciling youthful idolization with the complexities of human nature.

5. Challenging artistic norms: Cy Twombly and Fischli/Weiss's boundary-pushing works

"Cy Twombly is beyond a doubt still the most cutting-edge artist working today, even if he is over eighty years old."

Redefining art. Waters celebrates artists who push the boundaries of what is considered "art," challenging viewers to find beauty and meaning in unconventional forms and techniques.

Embracing ambiguity. The works of Cy Twombly and Fischli/Weiss often defy easy interpretation, encouraging viewers to engage more deeply with the art and find personal connections to seemingly abstract or mundane subjects.

6. The art of minimalism: Richard Tuttle's subtle yet profound creations

"It was never a question of liking his work, it was that you could never get over it!"

Power of simplicity. Richard Tuttle's minimalist approach demonstrates that profound artistic statements can be made with the simplest of materials and techniques.

Challenging perceptions. By creating works that are easily overlooked or dismissed at first glance, Tuttle forces viewers to reconsider their expectations of art and find beauty in the understated and overlooked.

7. Baltimore's underbelly: A breeding ground for artistic inspiration

"Was watching this concert torture, or was it perfect? I'm still trying to decide."

Urban grit as muse. Waters finds endless inspiration in Baltimore's eccentric characters and seedy underbelly, transforming the city's quirks and flaws into a rich tapestry of artistic material.

Celebrating the outcasts. By shining a spotlight on the marginalized and misunderstood denizens of Baltimore, Waters creates a unique artistic vision that challenges mainstream perceptions of beauty and worth.

8. Fashion as rebellion: Rei Kawakubo's avant-garde designs

"Ms. Kawakubo is my god."

Clothing as art. Waters' admiration for Rei Kawakubo's Comme des Garçons line demonstrates how fashion can be a powerful form of self-expression and rebellion against societal norms.

Embracing imperfection. Kawakubo's designs, which often feature purposeful "flaws" and unconventional shapes, challenge traditional notions of beauty and encourage wearers to embrace their own uniqueness.

9. The complexity of human nature: Leslie Van Houten's journey from Manson Family to redemption

"Leslie Van Houten has served more time than any Nazi war criminal who was not sentenced to death at Nuremberg."

Redemption and forgiveness. Waters' friendship with Leslie Van Houten explores themes of rehabilitation, remorse, and the possibility of personal growth even in the aftermath of heinous crimes.

Challenging preconceptions. By humanizing Van Houten, Waters forces readers to confront their own beliefs about justice, punishment, and the capacity for change in even the most notorious individuals.

10. Celebrating the mundane: Moyra Davey's still life photography

"Moyra Davey still lifes are formal, lovely still lifes of neglect that demand respect for her low-tech intelligence."

Finding beauty in the ordinary. Davey's photographs elevate everyday objects and scenes, encouraging viewers to find aesthetic value in the overlooked aspects of daily life.

Artistic restraint. By focusing on mundane subjects and employing a understated approach, Davey's work challenges the notion that art must be grandiose or technically complex to be meaningful.

11. The transformative power of reading: Cultivating a diverse literary palette

"You should never just read for 'enjoyment.' Read to make yourself smarter!"

Reading as self-improvement. Waters emphasizes the importance of challenging oneself through reading, advocating for a diverse range of literature that expands one's perspective and understanding of the world.

Embracing the unconventional. Waters' eclectic reading list, which includes works by authors such as Lionel Shriver and Jane Bowles, demonstrates the value of seeking out lesser-known or challenging texts that offer unique insights and perspectives.

Last updated: November 19, 2024