N4 x the greed issue

AS IF YOU HAVEN’T HEARD THIS QUESTION BEFORE, BUT WHAT’S IT LIKE HAVING ERNEST HEMINGWAY AS A GREAT GRANDFATHER? It’s certainly a question I get asked many times, but never one that I’m not pleased to answer. It’s such an honor to be related to such an iconic and genius figure in our history. It’s also an intimidating relation to have, especially being that I’m in the artistic world myself. I would never claim to have any of his genius or want to be viewed differently just upon the connection. I can only hope that I have some of his DNA running through my veins, but would never put my work anywhere near his.

“AND HOW MUCH BETTER TO DIE IN ALL THE HAPPY PERIOD OF UNDISILLUSIONED YOUTH, TO GO OUT IN A BLAZE OF LIGHT, THAN TO HAVE YOUR BODY WORN OUT AND OLD AND ILLUSIONS SHATTERED.” CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW THIS QUOTE MAKES YOU FEEL? I think this quote has a lot to do with youth and aging and feeling fresh out of inspiration. When you’re young, you have so much to look forward to, so much to imagine, and your goals can be as high as you want them to be, without having the weight of the world crushing them.

Then as age takes its toll, you live and learn, have ups and downs, you become familiar with pain and suffering…

The dreams that were so vivid as a young adult seem to diminish if you allow them to. It’s almost saying go out before all the pain and suffering comes, leave the world while you still get excited by the simplest things, before the negativity of experience kicks in. I think it has to do a lot with Hemingway’s suffering as an artist, being so inspired and productive one day and not being able to do anything the next. For an artist, having an artistic block can be the hardest thing to deal with, worse than physical pain would ever cause.

FAVORITE ALBUM THESE DAYS? Well, I still listen to mostly old Blues, Classic Rock, and the occasional childhood favorite. But if I had to pick something that is “current” — and I’m so unaware of any current tunes — I would say that I’ve seen Lou Doillon play twice recently and her music, voice and presence is something everyone should experience.

TELL US SOMETHING WE SHOULD… SEE: Ketchum, Idaho during the month of June... The most beautiful place on the planet.

HEAR: The silence that most people avoid at all costs.

Or, snow falling all around you.

KNOW: Anything you want to do is most likely achievable with hard work and dedication, so don’t give up on yourself.