IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RANGE ROVER
Photographer Simon Watson talks happiness, virtues and creativity …
Your favourite virtue Kindness. This virtue seems to be in decline and what hope is there for humanity without it. Your favourite qualities in a man Empathy, compassion and tolerance. Your favourite qualities in a woman ? The same. But wait, there’s more. Women have a lot more: The ability to listen, kindness, wisdom, intuition and, of course, emotional intelligence. If only they ruled the world. Your chief characteristic Busy and lazy – all at the same time. What you appreciate the most in your friends I have great friends. Old and new. I’m usually drawn to humour. A great friend is one who might live continents away, but is always present. My friends are usually much better friends to me than I am to them.
A native of Dublin, Simon Watson is a masterful chronicler of remarkable interiors and portraits, gracing the pages of World of Interiors, Vanity Fair, AD, and the New York Times, with work exhibited in museums and collections all over the world. His book, The Lives of Others, was published in 2020.
Your main fault Apparently impatience is my worst. Your favourite occupations Being busy at being creative or doing nothing at all. Your idea of happiness Open-ended time with my wife. Your idea of misery Hopelessness. If not yourself, who would you be? There are lots of interesting people I would like to be but at the end of the day I probably wouldn’t want to be any of them. So, I nominate my dog Flossie, a very sweet Labrador. Far more attractive than me and everyone loves her (more than they do me). She is adored unconditionally by my wife and kids, no matter what. I’m jealous. Your current state of mind Scattered with a chance of thunderstorms. Your favourite colour and flower Ranunculus for beauty, and a pink-petalled rose for scent. Sublime. All the tonal variants of green. Most overrated virtue Probably temperance. Which talent would you most like to possess Musical virtuosity (especially on a piano), and the talent of being patient (needed for musical virtuosity) Your favourite authors I like Haruki Murakami, JG Ballard and William Trevor. Favourite poets I don’t have a ‘favourite’ poet. But I do enjoy poetry. I had a wonderful teacher in school who was very passionate; and so I have a life-long love of reading poetry. Shakespeare, John Montague, Wilfred Owen etc.
Favourite artist Depending on my mood it really could be anyone. I spend my life submerged in art. I do love the Northern European painters and I have always been particularly drawn to the Flemish schools throughout history. Favourite musical artists and composers Currently obsessed with Schubert’s Fantasy in F Minor for two pianos. Brings joy and abandonment. Other current obsessions: The Smile. I saw them play in Dublin earlier this year. Complex and wonderful music. The principal aspect of my personality I don’t understand the question. But I’ll answer it. I think I’m curious. Your idea of good taste Layer upon layers of restraint. The quality I look for in my surroundings Beauty. I need to be visually stimulated. Other qualities are quietness, good light and comfort. The country where I should like to live Here in Ireland. I look to the road ahead with … trepidation and lots of hope.