The Steeple Times asks photographer J.Harry Edmiston: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force?
The idea that the photographs I take may still be admired long after I’m gone.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“If you’re given lemons, make lemonade.”
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2012?
Instagram.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Sunsets in Georgian Bay, Canada.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Taking an iconic photograph that touches people around the world.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank.” What’s your view on the banking crisis?
While the crisis has had many bad consequences, the one bright spot has been the many people of my generation turning to creativity and entrepreneurialism in order to earn a living. The world will see the benefit.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Not possible.”
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I am lucky to have many friends actively involved in charitable work and I look to support them when I can across a wide variety of causes.
The judge in “Law Abiding Citizen” states: “I can pretty do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
Clearly using a phone that will blow you up does not seem to be a good idea. In general, so many people to do not see the world around them because they spend so much time staring at their iPhones. Keep it to a minimum and look up occasionally.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
The characters from Wes Anderson’s film The Life Aquatic.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
The leaves of the female Encephalartos woodii plant. No examples have ever been found in nature and therefore their search should give me plenty of time to plan my escape. Fresh grilled lobster and a cold beer on the beach on an unnamed Caribbean island would be my reward.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
After breakfast.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A Moscow mule at Montgomery Place. They make the best cocktails in London.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
I always look forward to my friends Istvan and Theo’s periodic parties at Daquise, a polish restaurant in South Kensington. Good vodka, good food, good music and good friends are never a bad combination.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Marta de la Mata, a DJ and club owner in Brazil and Ibiza. She has limitless energy and is amazingly fun to be around.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
My mother’s extraordinary Christmas cake. The cognac content seems to be increasing every year.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
Something by M. C. Escher.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A DeLorean with “Flux Capacitor.”
Cilla Black presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
If I had not pursued photography, I would probably be making guns with my father.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Some lenses, some invitations and some gold, frankincense and myrrh.
J.Harry Edmiston is a London based photographer who has also worked in film, television and commercial production. A solo exhibition of his works will be held at the Alpha Gallery at 23 Cork Street, London, W1S 3NJ from 10th to 14th December 2012.
View J.Harry Edmiston’s website at: http://www.j-harry-edmiston.com