Karim offers a lot of respect for artists such as Caravaggio, Ferdinand Celine, Arvo Part and Andrei Tarkovsky.
Interview with KARIM HAMID
An interview with Karim Hamid proved to be as interesting and intriguing as it was short and funny. Delivering one-word or one-sentence answers to Eyes in questions like, “As a child, what did you want to become (profession-wise)?” Hamid showed his true self and dark humor in the answers. (For the profession question, Hamid answered flippantly, “A butler” -- which made me laugh uproariously).
Through the interview, I learned that Hamid grew up in Los Angeles, CA, and he is most inspired creatively by his “ability to daydream at will.” On a less serious note (or is it?), Hamid said his dream is “to rule the world,” while his shining moment of inspiration for his artistic expression came from…loitering.
As we moved through short, but more serious answers, Hamid revealed that he resoundingly does not believe that his background influenced his works. Also with emphasis, Hamid said that he does expect his way of creating art to change in the future and that he embraces changes in technology and social media. (Answers were “NO,” “YES” and “YES,” respectively.)
Artistic admiration was one place that Hamid answered seriously, offering respect for artists such as Caravaggio, Ferdinand Celine, Arvo Part and Andrei Tarkovsky. He stated that he enjoys “anything melancholic” in art -- which explains his favor of these great artists.
When asked if he would enjoy an Eyes in feature about any of these artists, Hamid said, “They are all dead or nearly dead, but you can ask them anyway.” This was another moment where I laughed out loud (and snorted the water I was about to drink).
The laughter didn’t end here, though, as the dark and dry humor prevailed through the rest of the interview. Hamid’s family taught him “that nothing is ever good enough.” He went on to state that the most difficult part of his job is “begging and pleading.” Is he ever afraid he will run out of inspiration? “Just on weekends,” Hamid answered.
Rolling on the floor laughing at this point, I am hit with two more hilarious answers. Hamid said that his philosophy in his artistic creations is, “Fail Again, Fail Better.” However, my absolute favorite answer responded to the question: What is your favorite hotel? The answer: “Motel 6, near Hollywood Blvd -- where I first had sex with a woman.”
Wiping tears of laughter from my eyes, I am left with the final question: What or where is your most ideal home? Expecting another flippant, dark answer, I find Hamid serious once more, as he reveals he is happy just where he lives. He answers, “My current home in Rhode Island, USA.”