Stanley Whitney and Ryan McGinley

RYAN - Does your love of color transfer over into everyday life? Do you pick a bar of soap for its color? If you buy a variety pack of boxers would you buy it for one pair with a good color?

STANLEY - Of course. I love to watch people in the street to see what colors they are wearing - mostly women.

RYAN - I feel like the term color field is very important for both of us. I approach my photographic locations based on their fields of color. One of my favorite places to shoot is in the white sands of New Mexico because all I’m working with is white sand and blue sky. I approach color by using wheat fields for yellow, magic hour for deep blue sky, bonfires for reds, sunsets for oranges and pinks. Can you explain what color fields mean to you?

STANLEY - I don’t approach color field as landscape. When I hear color field I immediately think of color field painting and it’s something I saw a lot of as a young painter in New York. Although I loved the color, I found the drawing and the space weak. So, it’s something I reacted against. As far as color field landscape, give me the color of the southwest.

RYAN - You taught for 30 years. In the movie Indiana Jones one of his students draws on her eyelids “Love You” and every time she blinks he sees it. Has anything like this ever happened to you?

STANLEY - I married her.

RYAN - What’s your favorite part of the supermarket?

STANLEY - None. I can’t stand the supermarket. There’s no food.

RYAN - Do you think taking drugs is important for artists? When I look at your paintings it makes me think of many experiences I’ve had on acid. Did you do a lot of acid?

STANLEY - Drugs saved my life.

RYAN - If you were gay what man would you be attracted to? Please name a movie star or musician.

STANLEY - Miles Davis.

STANLEY - What are some of your favorite TV programs and movies and do they influence your work?

RYAN - At the moment I love Mad Med. Over the last few years definitely The Wire, Sex & The City, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. I’ve seen every episode of Seinfeld. When I watch DVDs it’s often on my computer. I like to take screen grabs of scenes that inspire me. I don’t think TV shows influence my work. I buy a lot of DVDs for the commentary and special features. I learn a lot about the production of the film and how they executed certain scenes. I find that influential. I also always bring a pen and pad with me to the movie theatre. I feel very inspired watching movies and have lots of ideas that flow freely through my mind. I truly believe the faintest ink is better than the best memory.

STANLEY - Did you see the Robert Frank show at the Met and what do you think of that work?

RYAN - I did and I love Robert Frank’s work. The Americans is like the bible. He changed everything. Robert is not a fan of mine. I once went to take his portrait at his house on Bleecker Street and he didn’t like how many photos I took of him. I investigate people with my camera. I shoot quite a lot and I think the sound of my shutter drove him crazy. He eventually lost it and told me it was time to leave. He’s from a different school of photography than I am. He takes quite a long time to click the shutter, the decisive moment. It’s not the way I work. My camera is my hand and I have a conversation with the person and am constantly shooting the entire time.

STANLEY - If you received a very generous gift certificate to a high-end designer clothing boutique, who would it be? And what would you get?

RYAN - It would be Martin Margiela and I would get a suit. He makes the best suits.

STANLEY - Have you ever dreamt an image before you’ve made it? Do you dream in color?

RYAN - I do dream in color. I’ve never gotten an idea from a dream. I do find I feel most inspired right before I fall asleep. I heard if you dream in black and white that means your dead.