Phel Steinmetz

One of the most influential people to my work and my development as an artist, Phel Steinmetz, died last month of hodgkin's lymphoma. Phel was a professor of mine at UC San Diego and one of the first people to introduce me to contemporary photography and conceptual art. It is difficult for me to describe the profound impact that he has had on my life and my work.  His influence saturates every piece that I make.  But more than that I will miss his friendship and his tremendously corny jokes.  My debt to him is immense.

Phel Steinmetz, Sunday, Palms to Pine Highway, 1981

Phel in front of his studio at UCSD