David Hockney’s Relentless Work Ethic Revealed in Personal Account
In a personal reflection, Lawrence Weschler recounts first meeting David Hockney in 1982, a pivotal midpoint in the artist's career. Weschler had long followed Hockney from his explosive debut in late 1950s London, where his open expression of gay desires was illegal, to his move to Los Angeles, where he helped residents see their city anew. Despite Hockney's public image as a dandy and socialite, Weschler discovered he was one of the hardest-working artists, constantly producing art even during vacations. The painting "Le Parc des Sources, Vichy" (1970) exemplifies this, showing two friends with an empty chair where Hockney had stood to record the scene.
Key facts
- Lawrence Weschler first met David Hockney in 1982.
- Hockney's career began with a successful debut in London in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
- Hockney openly expressed his gay inclinations when they were illegal in Britain.
- Hockney moved to Los Angeles and influenced how residents saw the city.
- Hockney was perceived as a dandy but was actually a hardworking artist.
- The painting 'Le Parc des Sources, Vichy' (1970) depicts two friends and an empty chair.
- Hockney worked prolifically even during vacations.
- The article is from The New York Times.
Entities
Artists
- David Hockney
- Lawrence Weschler
Institutions
- The New York Times
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Los Angeles
- United States
- St. Tropez
- France
- China
- Malibu
- Vichy