Mere Days from MERE INCHES: An INTERVIEW with Jim Houser Before The Big Show
Ben Woodward reports on Jim Houser's thoughts before the opening of his latest show, MERE INCHES, opening this Saturday at Merry Karnowsky Gallery in LA...
Ben Woodward: How does this spot change the way you have been doing your shows?
Jim Houser: It doesn't really. I always kind of make it up as I go along, maybe based off a few large scale ideas. The one thing I have to be aware of in doing another show at a place where I have done one before, is to be sure not to do exactly the same thing. I think I am breaking up the space a bit differently this time. I also have more work to hang.
What is the biggest change in your thinking?
Well, the last time I was out here two years ago I was feeling nuts. I was sick as hell and felt one bit of bad news away from wanting to kill myself. That was kind of the pits.
At this point I am feeling a bit more positive. I am eating and pooping well and remembering to drink a lot a water. It makes a big difference.
Who was the greatest influence in the west?
The last time I was out here with Becky. It was right after Elliott Smith died. We went and saw the mural that is the cover of "Figure Eight", and it had been turned into a huge memorial. Candles and flowers and notes to him, etc. It was a major bum-out , but the good kind of bum-out. I never stopped thinking about it.
I always liked the eerie look of those roadside and curbside memorials. The random objects, stuffed animals, candles, etc. After Beck died , I incorporated those ideas into my work. That's where that shit comes from, Elliot Smith's wall.
When did the vision for this show come to you, or how did you envision this show ahead of time?
I always try to do at least one vastly new thing for each install, but I try to slide it in so it fits everything else. I have been more interested in the musical side of things - both the music I've been making and also the homemade guitars. So I wanted to give that a place in the work by making a wall filled with guitar amplifiers. What I like is that although there are enough watts to blow people's heads open, I want the music to come through it really quietly. I'm stoked how it looks so far. I already want to make a bigger version.
Anything you want to say about Bri Lynch? Or things in general?
Bri is holding it down, like always. He made me stop at Borders tonight so he could buy a Harry Potter book. Also, he is fascinated by how close to Danzig's house we are staying. He's planning secret missions.
What is going to happen with this show that did not happen with the last?
I probably wont eat a pile of valium before the opening.
You'd best not...the show will be great!
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