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JP Long, "Impression 5"
(Interview continued)
B.M.: (JP) Did you also seek Bella’s input into your work?
JP: As I said before, Bella is an East Coaster. I don’t think it’s possible for her not to state her opinion. But yes, I would purposefully leave new pieces out for critique.
B.M.: Bella, you introduced JP to our gallery, as well as to other dealers. You were very persistent about mentoring JP. This is rather uncommon, as often masters develop feelings of jealousy when one of their protégés becomes successful. Was this ever an issue for you?
Bella: I have to admit I become uncomfortable when some of his work resembles mine too closely. But jealousy, no. He is a wonderful, bright, talented young man. I am glad that is he doing well and I am gratified that I could help him on his way.
B.M.: How about you, JP?
JP: There’s a saying among musicians: there’s no new tune, just how you play it. Artworks are always embedded in a history, a context, and part of what makes art so rich is how it references the past while pointing toward the future—in other words, how a work of art occupies its “now” in the history of art. As I’ve heard Bella say time and again, quoting Picasso, “Good artists borrow, great artists steal.”
B.M.: Bella, what was your favorite aspect of teaching? What was most challenging?
Bella: The favorite part of my teaching was encountering interesting and talented young people and to be able to guide them where my own experience and knowledge could be of use. I have very good critical and verbal skills and I was able to give easily understood, straightforward critiques of students’ work as well as recommendations for clearer ways of expressing their ideas. Many teachers do not have that gift. It helped being a born and bred New Yorker; it’s not the California style to be direct. The most challenging part of my teaching years was dealing with the sexist politics.
B.M.: Bella and JP, what do you think is most unusual about your relationship?
Bella: I think we’re unusually congenial despite the differences in our ages, gender, and life experiences. Our thinking and temperaments are very similar.
B.M.: Bella and JP, how do you feel that this joint exhibition expresses this relationship?
Bella: This exhibition illustrates the crossover as well as the differentiation of ideas between us.
B.M.: Bella and JP, what other sculptors’ works do you admire most?
Bella: Sculptors I admire. Of contemporary sculptors, I would name Martin Puryear, Louise Bourgeois, Chillida, Max Ernst, Picasso, David Smith, Julio Gonzalez, and many more.
JP: I’m also a fan of Puryear, as well as the other artists Bella mentioned. But I would also add Dan Clayman, Sol Lewitt, Richard Serra, and Heiki Seppa.
B.M.: Thanks to both of you.
