If I had to choose just one, it would be an underwater photography exhibition presented at the United Nations as part of The Ocean Conference. The photographs revealed the vibrant and often overlooked diversity of wildlife in New York’s seascape. It’s a conservation story impossible to fully tell without the work of talented photographers.

Trust and challenge yourself. Stay curious!

Having the opportunity to learn about new photographers and getting a sense of what is capturing the attention and interest of these artists.

The first thing that came to mind is Tarot Garden by Niki de Saint Phalle. Though I would have it remain in Tuscany and not (impossibly) moved into my apartment.

(Editor's Notes: Check out Tuscany's Tarot Garden via Youtube/Great Big Story)

It is very difficult to choose and hard to limit to those working today – I’ve had many favorites. William Eggleston was one of my earliest favorites. I love the way John Baldessari worked with ph otography. I think Paz Errázuriz and Carrie Mae Weems are incredible. I recently saw a great exhibition at the New York Historical Society of Kwame Brathwaite’s stunning photography.

Changes all the time! I was very charmed by On Onions by Elad Lassry, a photographic study o f onions published by Primary Information. Danny Lyon’s The Bikeriders is a classic. Polo Silk’s Pop That Thang documents the bounce scene in New Orleans as only he could. I collect books about Coney Island, so any photography books focused on that theme are also among my favorites. And of course, Phaidon has unparalleled photography books.

I was lucky that art, in many forms, was engrained into my life from an early age. My parents are creative and encouraging and kept art supplies stocked. My grandmother knit daily and was so intuitive about color and, especially, scale. She was brilliant – could look at a foot from across the room and produce a sock that fit it perfectly. That is an artist’s eye. Later on, a high school teacher found me reading some “challenging” materials and encouraged me to move to New York City and get involved in the art scene. I did it. I studied art history in undergrad and grad school and also did some printmaking and painting. I’ve always found many of my friends are artists and creative – it’s just been the best fit.

Making art books!

Phaidon publishes across art, photography, design, architecture, food, fashion, travel, and illustrated books for children so there are many factors, and each book is so organic there is no formula or checklist. We are always interested in intriguing points of view from artists, authors, and others, paired with visually captivating imagery.