Close

In the process of making photographs, and working with amazing individuals, I came across a book that once I started to read, it was practically impossible for me to stop. The book I highly recommend is the biography of painter, photographer, artist extraordinaire Chuck Close, "Chuck Close, Life"

I have always enjoyed Chucks Close's work, and was mesmerized the first time I viewed one of his large (100+ inches in hight) portrait paintings. The color was amazing, the scale was a bit overwhelming, and it felt as if I was looking through a kaleidoscope while viewing the painting. As I read his biography, I had a better understanding of his life, and evolution as an artist. From the learning disabilities and health issues that Chuck struggled with, to the death of his farther in his home where he grew up in Everett Washington as a kid, you wonder how Chuck made it to where he is today. 

This book will make you laugh, and possibly make you cry, reading this has made me look at my life, and my art in a much different perspective. Particularly my struggles as an artist.  "Chuck Close, Life" is a relatively short read for a biography, with only 342 pages, and many examples of Chuck, both as a person, and his art. This is actually a two volume collection with a large coffee table book given a retrospective of his work from his days at Everett Jr. College, to 2010-11. I highly recommend purchasing the book(s) or checking them out from your local Library which is always a great place to find a good book.