Calm, cool and collected. Laurence Ellis grew up looking at the work of family friend Norman Parkinson, and went on to assist Mark Lebon. His experiences with these two legendary British photographers have shaped and influenced his own work, images with a distinctive purity and tranquility.
Name: Laurence Ellis
Age: 28
Nationality: British
Based In: London
Website: www.laurenceellis.com
Assisting Mark Lebon. I began at a period when Mark decided that he really didn’t want to shoot much until he had archived and exhibited a selection of his previous published and unpublished work. I guess it was quite an unusual place to be; friends were assisting people like Sims, Sorrenti, Testino, etc and were really caught up in the ‘now’. In contrast, I spent most of my days archiving Mark’s work from the 80’s and early 90’s, eventually curating a series of exhibitions.
What was your first job?
Washing cars on the estate where I grew up in Isleworth.
How would you describe your style?
Simple. Honest. Indifferent. Déjà senti. A certain adolescent nervousness. Peaceful imperfection.
What do you think is your best work so far?
I quite like my holiday video from India. Mixing the Super 8 and stills for b London. And in contrast, the stillness of the ELLE Man series.
Who or what has influenced you?
I guess much of the time I spent archiving for Mark Lebon made a lasting impression. There was a huge amount of unpublished work with Ray Petri, Christopher Nemeth, Judy Blame, Nena, Naomi barely outta school, Nick & Barry Kamen et al. Buffalo and it’s beginnings were a big influence.
Ray’s unorthodox casting, revolutionary styling and how the group worked as real tight ‘crew’ and the integrity that the movement had. As they would say, “Start with the face and the rest falls into place”. But it was never just about image, the Buffalo style was a complete crossover of influences, both musically and stylistically.
What is your earliest recollection of noticing or being inspired by photography and/or style?
My mother was a close friend of the late Norman Parkinson. He kept his entire archive in the spare room of the apartment in Twickenham he shared with his wife. He would give me his funny little hats to wear and I would look at his pictures. He was a kind man.
What sets you apart from other people in your profession?
Maybe not wanting to always be apart, but to be closer to those that I collaborate with in art and life.
How would you describe your view of the world?
Jamais vu.
What is your favourite childhood memory?
Falling into a lake near my house in the middle of winter, floating in the stillness and silence whilst trying to touch the fish which kept swimming by. If I wasn’t wearing my favourite purple ski jumpsuit which kept me warm and afloat until my mother found me it probably would have been my last.
What music do you like to work to?
Joy Division. The Smiths. Nirvana. Bob Dylan. Basic Channel. AHA. Basic Replay. Kate Bush. Rhythm & Sound. Old dub records. Joe Gibs. The Raveonettes. Patrick Wolf. Alphaville. Kitsune Maison Compilations. The Knife. Kraftwerk. Sally Shapiro. Various Italo Disco. Minimal techno. Fleetwood Mac. Junior Boys. The Gun Club. Battles.
Describe your dream project?
Work in progress.
Where do you find inspiration?
Sitting on the train with nothing to read. Small towns and big cities. Kurt Cobain. All that hasn’t yet been.
What are you loving at the moment?
My girlfriend and my family. Oh, and Lucas Ossendrijver.
Film you think everyone should see:
Le Thé au harem d’Archimède.
Best advice you have ever been given?
Work hard. Know when to let go.
Who do you think is one to watch?
My good friend Adrien Chanel.
He owns and runs a small antiquities gallery in Saint-Germain. A quiet resting place for many beautiful objects. Timeless and seemingly immune to the power of the new. Thank God.
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Comments ( 3 )
zaia commented on Jul 24 08 at 3:33 pmWow Laurence Ellis interview is great.His work is fabulous!
richard keppel commented on Jul 28 08 at 11:24 amLaurence its so amazing to fell a introduction piece of work from a photographer in context to how we have met. Your photography is executed in such a different way that i had to enter this industry 12 years ago on the tip of Africa . So as a senior in years but a partner in art i want to comment on the (one light wonder) that you are.
Your imagery rides with a senses of power in a clear dismissal of a need for more other than the sear joy of celebrating the moment of masculine line shape and stark honesty of iconic beauty in its simpleness for simple sake.
I as far as i am from being allowed that simplicity as a artist myself wish to express my good will and respect for the value of all i am not , by seeing someone new a force to be learnt from.
trumancapote commented on Jul 31 08 at 4:16 amvive la difference!