...whenever someone asks me who I read, or who my influences are, I can now simply recall the Alphabet and rattle off names like a champ, without stammering or pausing or generally appearing dense." This is very helpful when you are working on a Masters degree and in every class you are asked questions like that. But, I found it was interesting to just really sit and think about those influences. This was meant for writers, but I think it works for just about any kind of artist. As a photographer, I take my influences from movies, television, books, photos, paintings and life. Therefore, this list is pretty eclectic.
The rules are pretty loose so the letter could be first or last name.
Here is my list: [Links lead to more details or videos. It is kind of a mixed bag of delights]
- A - Alan Alda
- B - Bob Newhart
- C - Chuck Palahniuk
- D - David Fincher
- E - Elliott Erwitt
- F - Martin Firrell
- G - James Gunn
- H - Jim Henson
- I - Irving Penn
- J - Jane Austen
- K - Kenneth Branagh
- L - Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz aka Jon Stewart
- M - Mel Brooks
- N - Neil Gaiman
- O - Orson Welles
- P - Philippe Halsman
- Q - Quentin Tarantino
- R - Henry Rollins
- S - Rod Serling
- T - Mark Twain
- U - The Under-stated Henri Cartier-Bresson
- V - Jack Vettriano
- W - William Shakespeare
- X - Groucho Marx
- Y - Yes, I am cheating and putting Nathan Fillion here
- Z - Ze Amazing Harry Houdini
Okay, I had to cheat a little with U, X, Y and Z because I wanted those people in and I couldn't fit them anywhere else without losing the others. Plus, trying to put people in just to fit those letters felt wrong.
Some of these may need a bit more discussion as to how they have influenced me. I have a plan to write more about them; specifically, James Gunn and Nathan Fillion. Their influence on me has been profound to say the least.
I thought that this might serve as a good Thanksgiving day post because I am thankful for all of the above on this list and the many benefits they have given me over the years.
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