Dennis McGrath.
Dennis McGrath has been a photographer for over fifteen years, and while he spent ten of those years concentrating on photographing skateboarding all over the world, his work in the last five has been a bit more, well, diverse. Recently he’s taken to the pursuit of more documentary-type work, and in his own words is “interested in telling stories with my photographs with the help of text and ephemera.” (I would be lying if I said his use of the word “ephemera” didn’t make me instantly adore him). Currently he’s working on a book about his old friend Lennie Kirk, the mythical former pro-skateboarder whose audacious style, religious fervor, and rumored tangles with the law have made him one of the most enigmatic figures in the sport. McGrath calls the project “complicated and interesting” and is also working on a project based around his sexuality “which is even more complicated.” Be sure to check out his blog of compelling behind-the-scenes erotic photography (I find the notion of binding to be utterly romantic but then again I am a crazy), and look out for his line of t-shirts and skateboards with clothing line HUF set to be released in April.
You can see more of McGrath’s work HERE and HERE.
1. Who do you admire?
I’ve been watching John Cassavete’s films lately. Or catching them on TV somehow or another. Killing of a Chinese Bookie, A Woman Under the Influence. I remember seeing Gloria a bunch of times when I was a kid. Gena Rowlands is raw. Right now I’m inspired by the photography of Gary Van De Griek (aka Dirty Gary).
2. What is your biggest flaw?
Procrastinator at times.
3. What next?
Making Books.
4. What is your present state of mind?
Motivated.
5. How would you like to die?
I think a plane crash would be exciting. One time I thought we were going down on a flight back from Japan. Never been so scared in my life! It’s hard to imagine just how scary it really was now. My palms were dripping with sweat, for real! All I could think was “at least i just spent the last week in Japan” since I had always wanted to go and it was my first time. As long as it’s relatively painless and quick. Or maybe in my sleep….
