One of my greatest loves on earth is rock-n-roll. It's awesome the vast emotion and energy it inspires. For me, rock never ages. I think that's because, in its pure essence, rock music is soul or spirit. And spirit is timeless. It could be said that the same holds true for a brilliant photograph; whatever the subject (a woman, a building, a mountain), it tells a story and reflects back a spirit or energy captured in time. If it's a great image, it inspires no less feeling today than fifty or one hundred years from now.



I'm in Venice CA, standing in the studio of a famous photographer - make that, a legend - who is best known for shooting many of rock's legends: The Doors, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and The Rolling Stones, just to name a few. These spacious studio walls hold timeless images of one the most dynamic times in American history - a 1960's California: electric, alive, spacious, rebellious, creative and free. This is Guy Webster's studio and for more than forty years, he's captured the greatest musicians, actors, writers, athletes, artists, activists, and directors of the 20th Century.

To define Guy as a rock'n'roll photographer renders too narrow a definition. His Hollywood portfolio is just as extensive, classic, and romantic. Guy captured both the beauty and essence of many of the greatest actors who have ever lived: The delicate vulnerability of Natalie Wood. The devilish slyness of Jack Nicholson. The brooding introspection of Dennis Hopper.



All of this said, I'm a little nervous about my interview with Guy - as a journalist, I've been programmed not to show it. Any uneasiness disappears the minute Guy Webster drifts into the studio, fresh from a motorcycle ride around Venice beach. We sit down in his comfy salon to talk and I actually take off my heels.



Maybe it's the ocean air blowing through the open doors or maybe it's the fact that Guy exudes a calmness that is contagious. Whatever it is, the shoes (and formalities) are gone. For the next hour, Guy and I talk about the life he's lived...a life so amazingly vibrant and charmed that after our session is over I'm left with a feeling of inspiration...closer to awe, really.

My profile piece on Guy Webster and excerpts from my interview will be published in the mid-June issue of Hollywood Weekly. I can't underestimate the honor it is for me to profile Guy in our magazine.
I hope that my words can somehow capture the loving spirit, brilliant talent and amazing life of an American legend.



Images courtesy of Guy Webster. www.guywebster.com Zsa Zsa Gabor, Dennis Hopper, Ed Ruscha, Truman Capote