ts: richard, we’re thrilled to feature you in the spotlight this holiday season. Let's start with who inspires you?
rh: Forever and always, the streets of NYC, especially Brooklyn. It's the reason why I can still live here - the constant inspiration and energy!
ts:did you always see yourself as an illustrator?
rh: I always did, but somehow was detoured into a career as a fashion designer for about 30 years!
ts: what is your first sketching memory?
rh:I remember as a 5 year old opening a box of Crayola crayons and being so moved and excited by the colors...I can still get that hit when I walk into an art supply store.
ts: what is your proudest moment?
rh: Non work related, but to watch my 27 year old become a smart, kind, no bullshit adult.
ts: what was your first official job as an illustrator?
rh: When I was a sophomore in high school a neighbor introduced me to a woman named Frankie Welsh. She had a boutique in Alexanderia, VA and dressed the politicians' wives. She commissioned me to do illustrations for the back of the Washingtonian magazine. It was pretty heady! The biggest impression was going to her shop. It was all mid 60s art nouveau wall paper and paper mache dress forms - I was in heaven and knew that that's where I belonged.
ts: what are some of the greatest art or fashion influences to you?
rh: Two very different mediums, with some intersections. I'd say wherever the influence is, it will be French. I used to get Paris Vogue delivered via air mail when I was in college. It was impossible to find on a newsstand which made it even more of a treasure. I poured over each issue and studied the clothes of YSL, Chloe, Chanel, Sonia Rykiel etc. They spoke to me, taught me. As for art, as a kid I would find books by Lautrec and Matisse (remember, there was no internet so the relationship to image was very different) and I would study line, shape and color, and the gesture of spontaneity.
ts: is there a particular piece of yours that holds a deep personal meaning?
rh: The drawings Jitan made when they were a kid. They are such a great artist and have the best sense of humor.
ts: what are your favorite three movies?
rh: One film that comes to mind always: The Rules of the Game/La Règle du Jeu, by Jean Renior. It's French, it's about the hypocrisy of rules and manners, it's about the collapse of a way of life, and it's melancholy, passionate and satirical.
ts: what was the last sketch you created?
rh: My friend Elliot who lives down the hall is moving back to LA so he came over last night and I did some drawings of him. It's always a great way to connect to people.
ts: do you listen to music while you're sketching? If yes, what?
rh: Well, here are the top 5 Spotify Wrap for 2024: 1 Between the Bars, Elliot Smith 2. Futile Devices, Sufjan Stevens 3. Farewell, Farewell, Fairport Convention 4. Empty Hearted Town, Warron Zevon 5. People Everywhere (Still Alive) Khruangbin
ts: first concert?
rh: Ike and Tina Turner and the Ikettes in Richmond, VA circa 1972. I'll never forget the Ikettes shimmying out onto the stage and then, Tina. Incredible!
ts: we ask everybody, how do you erase hate in your everyday life?
rh: Well there is so much of it in the air...or maybe it was always there and is just surfacing now... I'm not a religious person but I do remind myself at times 'there but for the grace of god go I.' It's a reminder of the fragility and precariousness of life, that we all experience in one way or another. Also, as I get older, I see hate as so toxic and counterproductive - it never goes anyplace good. And random acts of kindness - a smile to a stranger, letting someone get on the train before I do...little things that seem to soften the daily experience.
portrait credit: dimitri hyacinthe