Richard Radstone

1961: Born, London, England 1962 to 1990: Las Vegas, Nevada 1990 to 1991: Vagabond Artist 1991 to present: Los Angeles, California "If we do not seek to truly see each other, nor do our connections grow from a place of sincerity, empathy, and emotion, (whether real, contrived or abstract), what we create, and the impact we leave, is at risk of having no life, or lacking in meaning." My story as an artist began in the early 80s, when, after graduating from Brooks Institute of Photography, I opened my first studio in Las Vegas, Nevada-a mod little space constructed from the remains of a 3000-square foot citrus warehouse. It was there my roots formed as I worked non-stop producing, photographing, and directing projects ranging from nightlife to leisure, portraiture to lifestyle, wild animals to intricate special effects, entertainment to advertising. I was in my mid-twenties, young, evolving, and thirsty for experience. A fresh set of eyes in a city full of energy as my business grew faster than imaginable. Not ready for the degree of success that came my way, I lived fast and fell hard. It was a decade where I grew up through experiences too numerous to share in this biography. Bright and dark memories that, to this day, are foundational subtext to the perspectives grounding the important value I place on humanity and artistic integrity. In my thirties, as the Las Vegas chapter hit its pinnacle, I faced a creative, spiritual, and emotional Do-or-Die. Driven by hunger for growth and culture, I realized I had reached a professional and personal crossroads. So, I decided to close my Las Vegas shop to travel the fashion cities of Europe; exchanging security and predictability to live a vagabond life in further experiencing risk and people. It was an uncharted time, a living out of backpack and rolling suitcase journey where I navigated a roller coaster of diverse languages, cityscapes and customs. A week-by-week schedule of country-connecting train rides and hostel stays where each day I peeked over the edge of financial ruin. It was a life-change to the fullest, my livelihood wrapped around my waist as I survived on cash pulled out of a hidden money belt. A character forming trek that, in the end, left me homeless and stripped to the most simple lifestyle. Yet, under it all, a great blessing was gifted to me-the birth of my cultural outlook and story telling curiosity. In 1990 I settled in Los Angeles-base camp for my endless need-to-know my co-human and desire to share whatever I can to open windows for others to do the same. I am a firm believer of less-is-more, and now in my chapter as a documentary and narrative filmmaker, I stand true to a plain and modest purpose: To craft thoughtful works that stimulate deep consideration of what might be in the heart and mind of ourselves and others... and that, indeed, is a beautiful thing. When I am not making photographs, producing films, writing, or speaking, you'll most likely find me on the streets interviewing strangers; sharing what I can to make those around me laugh (or express a heartfelt tear) with a life found story; or doing my most favorite thing of all, spending time with my wife and daughter.