Stonescape - Frame Magazine


Norman & Norah Stone, Stonescape

Norman & Norah Stone, Stonescape

 I was asked to photograph Norah and Norman Stone for the Dutch design magazine Frame.  The Stones own Stonescape.  Stonescape is one of the coolest museums you'll ever visit right in the Stone's home in Calistoga.  There are are art works throughout the property, in an "Art Cave" and throughout their home.

Upon arrival to their home I was about to put my camera bag on a chair and Norah politely asked me not to put my bag there because it was an art piece.  Upstairs there was another chair I was asked to stay clear of because of it's fragile nature.  It was a Frank Gehry designed chair.  But that wasn't what made it special;  It seems that another artist burned the chair to a charred state, which then made it that artists piece and more valuable.

For one of the exhibits in the cave gallery they had white t-shirts made that read "Police The Police".  I was told I could take one, so I did.  I wear it often and 100% of the time while wearing it someone inevitably says out something like "yeah, Police the Police!" or someone will point and say "look at his shirt".

I realize it's a timely topic and fairly controversial, but I honestly didn't think the shirt was something people would notice.  The best response happened while I was in New York inside a shop and a man walking by saw the shirt and yelled at the top of his lungs to his friend down the street: "Hey Frankie... come check this out.  This guy's got a shirt that says Police The Police.  Fucking-A police the police!".  Only in New York.

The Stones were probably some of the nicest people I've ever photographed and seem like a fun and quirky couple.  I really appreciated the time they were willing to spend with me on the shoot.

Norah & Norman Stone on the Stonescape property with their dog.

Norah & Norman Stone on the Stonescape property with their dog.