So sad to learn of the passing of Lawrence Weiner. His art, of course, was monumentally important, but his presence and kindness left just as big an impression on me. I photographed him 4 times since 2010, and Lawrence was always gracious, smiling, and balletically conversational. His voice was like something from another place and time, deep and sonorous, speaking in metaphors. I was always a little intimidated at first, but beneath his powerful intensity and rigorous intellect was a warm, playful soul. He loved talking about art, but was generous and interested in everyone who came through the door. His youth was spent working on the docks, and on railroads and oil tankers, and he wanted to make art for everyone. I always left his studio with some sort of gift bearing his Margaret Seaworthy Gothic font: a pin, a notebook, or some temporary tattoos. The very first time I met him he gave me a copy of Hard Light, a rare book he had made with Ed Ruscha in 1978, which he had just found a spare box of, in storage. Those books could have easily gone to more important collectors, but he refused to see the world in those terms. To him, the most important audience was whoever he happened to be with. Thank you, Lawrence, we will miss you. Shot for @itsnicethat Magazine in 2011.