Charlie Rose

lckt13  05/13/2009 05:16 PM Report

When one considers Serra's background it becomes patently obvious why and how he selects materials for his works. His father worked in a shipyard. Hint. What do most of Serra's works resemble? Hint. Ships hulls, holds, stacks, decks, bows, sterns and so on. I don't give Serra the credit as most critics since I don't believe he is all that creative. Henry Moore, Mya Lyn, Andy Goldsworthy, Benny Buffano to name a few are supreme artists.

Lets' talk about Serra's ratfucking the establishment. When he was commissioned to create 3 cubes for Steve Oliver's ranch in northern California he stipulated the cubes must be cast from solid iron. This would cost zillions more to produce and would result in overages in both commission and transportation from Washington to the ranch. Bridges had to be closed due to the weight on the trucks. Special equipment that cost $250,000 just to place the 3 cubes is a fact shared by Oliver. I inquired what difference would it have made had the cubes been hollow? Mr Oliver stated Serra insisted on solid cores. This in my opinion is the way in which he gets even with the establishment since he came from outside the wealthy and notoriety of same. He also created the worst piece of sculpture standing on the West Coast: the Junipero Serra scupture along Interstate 280. I rest my case.

erik r.  10/26/2008 09:59 AM Report

it's interesting to listen to Serra's "explanations" i think i began to realize who Serra was when i noticed the enormous difference beween his work and architecture which interestingly I believe is quite hard to understand. People like Gehry come close to Serra's powerful thinking but at the same time can't justify nor dream to achieve any of Serra's sincerity.

Lisa  10/26/2008 09:59 AM Report

I found Mr. Serra's articulation/exploration of his work in this interview more cogently presented than in the new documentary Thinking on Your Feet. I think this interview succeeds in that it allows the artist to discuss specific works and speak at length about his process, with only the occasional guiding question, even during the sit-down interview. In trying to understand Mr. Serra's work, the interview opened up possibilities for further experiencing the work rather than locking it down by defining it.

Richard  12/19/2007 12:39 AM Report

absolutely brilliant!

Cecilia  06/21/2007 01:34 AM Report

sadly, I don't find mr. Serra's artwork artistic mainly because he says architecture isn't art yet he uses it to make his artwork give humans the sensation of art which surely unjustifies his concept of architecture not being art

Kate Thornton  06/13/2007 12:19 AM Report

I recently viewed Mr. Serra's works at DIA & at Storm King. Art isn't always easy to understand, but it's always worth the effort. I enjoyed Mr. Serra's works at DIA and Storm King in the luxury of near solitude, something I won't find at MOMA or LACMA, but that won't prevent me from trying to see them in those venues as well. Bravo, Mr. Rose for a great interview.

James Arzente  06/08/2007 04:01 PM Report

Just a note hearing your interview and having experienced your work at Dia, I found the conversation both inspiring and gave me the soul to remain focused and keep painting at a time when doubt entered my room and has now been shown the door. Thank You. JgA

Cyrus  06/06/2007 11:47 PM Report

"Contary to Fact, Conditional"

-Priceless! I love the way Serra Speaks!

Spirlene  06/06/2007 11:42 PM Report

Your interview with Richard Serra was one of the best I have heard. He was awe inspiring. I love the artistic and scientific analysis of his work. I am a retired math teacher who has always tried to bring out the beauty of art and mathematics. Serra's art demonstrates that is the most effective and moving way.

Thanks so much to bring his interview to public television.

Windfucker  06/06/2007 07:01 PM Report

Charlie's coiling moire pattern shirt is a beautiful response to the plasticity of Serra's work.

Nejla  06/06/2007 06:16 PM Report

what was the name of the field of study that was the basis of his inspiration for one of his free-standing exhibits from the late 1970s and which was only exhibited once or twice in the US? It was a series of 450 lb. vertically fre-standing lead sheets supporting each other with lead cylinders balanced on the tops of the sheets....

the name of the field of study Richard Serra listed as the inspiration sounded like something akin to tectonics (?)

Frank  06/06/2007 05:45 PM Report

Actually, the audio is probably being distorted when converting the video for streaming on the net. Must be the way your software is set up

Steve Massey  06/06/2007 03:48 PM Report

I'm always amazed at the ability of Richard Serra to command attention. 40 years ago I considered founding the School of Neorealistic Scientific Iconoclasm, an art form based on welded and arranged metal. I'd observed that it requires a good story to sell art (plus contacts in the art world). The thesis of the SNSI was that only someone with scientific training can interpret the modern world. My problem was that I was never able to keep a straight face, and I went on to do nuclear physics instead. My guess is that Serra has no sense of humor and probably never smiles. In another time, he would have been a great snake oil salesman. Four stars for hubris, zero stars for content.

C Thalacker  06/06/2007 02:32 PM Report

Charlie, Wonderful interview. The crackly audio adds to the mindfulness of listening. The next time you interview Richard, please ask him about his work 'Tilted Arc' and the Art-in-Architecture program he was involved in.

Kevin  06/06/2007 01:18 AM Report

What were the names of the artists that influenced him?

Thanks,

Kevin