With our Fall 2018 collection inspired by still life art, we interviewed three local artists in Dallas to learn more about their perspective on art. In our second installment, we meet with Robert Strickland.
What is your occupation?
Robert: Fine art and editorial photographer.
What’s your favorite movie?
Robert: Just one?! Okay, on the serious side: "Seven Samurai", "8 1/2", and "Paris, Texas" all have a forever place in my heart. For fun, I'm a big fan of The Incredibles and Fantastic Mr. Fox.
A book you plan on reading?
Robert: I don't actually read a ton of books these days (I've always been more into movies and music), but I'm crazy excited that I finally picked up "Nothing Personal" by James Baldwin and Richard Avedon. I'm a huge Baldwin fan, and Avedon's work has always intrigued me.
A book that you read that positively shaped you?
Robert: In the 6th grade, I read "The Pearl" by John Steinbeck. It was the first book I really remember challenging the philosophies I grew up around.
On a scale of one to ten how excited are you about life right now?
Robert: 8 or 9. Between my work (and it's ups and downs) and my family, every day is a new adventure.
If you could have dinner with anyone (dead or alive), who would it be?
Robert: I'd say my grandparents — but when they were my age. I think it'd be a fun to see how I'd relate to them at that stage in their lives.
Who do you look up to?
Robert: My wife is a constant reminder of who I'm trying to be. She's patient, kind, and calm in the way she approaches everything.
What’s your favorite food?
Robert: Being half-Korean, Korean food is my happy place. And since I'm a native Texan, Tex-Mex is forever my jam. Throw in a big plate of tacos de trompo and tacos de guisado to round things out, please.
Least favorite food?
Robert: I don't really dig heavily cilantro'd food. And though I dig seafood, I'm usually out on salmon (yeah, I know I'm weird on that one).
Favorite drink?
Robert: If we're talking alcohol, I'm probably leaning towards mezcal. But I don't do the adult beverage thing much these days, so catch me with a Arnold Palmer or a refreshing glass of lame-ass water.
Work to live or live to work?
Robert: I'd rather have balance, so I guess...both? But I live with my work so much (constantly thinking about projects), that maybe I lean a little toward the latter.
What’s your dream job if money was not a factor?
Robert: Nothing but fine art photography on medium format film. All day, every day.
Favorite season?
Robert: Shoutout to the epic quality of summer sunlight, but the temps in Fall/Winter win me over everytime.
What’s your favorite city to visit?
Robert: Lately it's been Los Angeles. But Seoul, Chicago, and Charleston (SC) have all earned repeat visits.
What’s the last city you visited?
Robert: I was just in Hollis, OK for a photo shoot on a ranch. Not much of a city, but still a fun shoot.
Who do you miss most?
Robert: Probably my grandfather on my dad's side. He did a lot to raise me when my parents couldn't/wouldn't.
When was the last time you cried?
Robert: Man, the tears come pretty easily these days thanks to parenthood. But it was probably a movie with a sad or touching moment.
If you had one superpower, what would it be?
Robert: THE ABILITY TO FREEZE TIME. NO DOUBT. NEXT QUESTION.
What’s the weirdest word in the English language?
Robert: Maybe bruxism? It's basically when you grind your teeth all the time and don't even realize you're doing it. Definitely me when I was younger.
Do you like your handwriting?
Robert: I'd call it indifference, inching toward dislike.
What is your least favorite thing about yourself?
Robert: I give up too easily sometimes. I'm better about it than I used to be, but it's still a struggle.
What is your most favorite thing about yourself?
Robert: My ability to teach myself new skills.
Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
Robert: My son :)
Who was the last person you sent a text to?
Robert: My wife :)
What has art taught you?
Robert: Patience. Also that planning is forever important, even if you end up flushing it down the toilet to go in a new direction mid-shoot.
What’s next?
Robert: Nothing big planned, but pushing further with my fine art work sounds like a good start. Also continuing to shoot film as much as possible. Maybe even put together a book or a gallery show sometime soon.
View Fall 18 STILL LIFE Collection here.
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