Ernie Barnes Interview [ 英語 ]

Thank you very much, Takahiro!

Q: When you released "Sugar Shack" in 1971, were there any particular messages you tried to express through the painting?

A: "Sugar Shack" is a recall of a childhood experience. It was the first time my innocence met with the sins of dance. The painting transmits rhythm so the experience is re-created in the person viewing it. To show that African-Americans utilize rhythm as a way of resolving physcial tension.

Q: The next question is regarding "Late Night DJ". I've heard that the
words "WSRC" written on the top right of "Sugar Shack" is the name of a
radio station. Have you always listened to radio?

A: WSRC was the name of a radio station in my hometown of Durham, North
Carolina. Yes, I always listen to the radio and music, because it
stimulates the imagination.

Q: And is the woman in "Late Night DJ" coming from your memories of
something about radio?

A: The woman in "Late Night DJ" comes from my imagination fueled by the
radio. The story behind the painting pertains to one very rainy night in
Atlanta, Georgia. A friend picked me up from the airport. I realized that
many plans and romantic evenings were probably broken because of the
terrible weather. On the radio was a male DJ. His voice didn’t match the
climate of that evening. I felt it should have been a woman so that’s
what
I presented. Who could better soothe the listeners than a woman?

Q: Was there a particular food you liked as a child?

A: Oatmeal cookies and chocolate cake.

Q: What type of food do you prefer to eat these days?

A: These days, I eat healthy foods like salmon, spinach, carrots and
fruits.
My wife is a wonderful cook.

Q: Do you like music (soul, in particular)?

A: Yes.

Q: If there is an artist or a song you like, please share one for your fans
in Japan.

A: I have so many: Alicia Keys, Swing Out Sister, Bashia.

Q: Being an athlete and an artist at the same time. These two seem like
two
different, unrelated jobs, but you do a very good job at both. Do you
believe that being an athlete has affected your desire/passion to become an
artist?

A: For me, they were both intergrating experiences. The disciplines of one
are the disciplines of the other. I paid attention to how the body felt
like in movement and my effort has been to translate that feeling onto
paper
or canvas.

Q: What do you do when you have a day off?

A: I don’t ever have a day off, but when I take a break from painting, I
go to the nursery to buy plants and flowers. I also read alot and enjoy
watching people.

Q: Have you ever been to Japan? What kind of impressions do you have of
Japan? And would you like to come here one day?

A: No, I have never been to Japan. I would love to visit.

Q: If there is something you are trying to express through the act of
drawing and painting, how would you describe it in a few words?

A: Liberating humanity from within.

Q: What would you like to be doing if you could be born again (in your next
life)?

A: Paint. Be an artist.

Q: My last request--please give Japanese fans a message.

A: We should pay more attention to our inner life, which is the
well-spring
of our creativity and morality. It demands the study of art, literature and
philosophy. It’s that portion of ourselves that gives rise to our feelings
of awe, beauty and a higher order of meaning. It’s called the spiritual
life of our species.

Ernie Barnes