Some Other Kim and Kanye: Interview with Angela Cappetta
Angela Cappetta made me promise not to tell you how we met. And then she sent me the craziest interview photo a writer’s ever sent for the Sexy Grammar blog. That’s just how my New Yorker Italian paisan rolls. She did consent to me saying that our meeting involved the internet, a deal gone bad, and a stranger saving my ass in the town she calls home, and she explained the Kim and Kanye photo in our interview below.
I adore Angela’s photography, a unique blend of highly intimate, candid, poignant and sometimes humorous views of the human condition. Her photographs are in museums and private collections worldwide. She has exhibited in numerous national and international venues and received numerous awards and recognitions, including an NYFA photo fellowship, a VCCA residency and three MacDowell Fellowships.
Her work includes ad campaigns for major brands like Delta, Citi and Dos Equis, edgy+beautiful wedding photography and blue chip private commissions. She is in the permanent collections of museums like the Corcoran Gallery of Art, The New York Public Library, Carlsbad Museum, The Center for Photography at Woodstock, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Angela has been exhibiting at art galleries her whole career and has been sent on assignment for Wired, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Details, Harper’s Bazaar, The New York Times Magazine, Refinery29, The London Times Magazine, Travel & Leisure, Vogue, and many others. Her advertising clients include Arnold Worldwide, BBDO, Havas, Saatchi & Saatchi and Fallon. She is a regular contributor to the behind-the-scenes coverage of New York Fashion Week.
What’s going on in this photo?
This summer I was exiting Milk Studios, I heard people shouting: “Kim! Kanye! Over here!” My first thought was that it must be some other Kim and Kanye. Shortly thereafter, I realized I was walking within inches of the OG K2 pair, as opposed to an imaginary one. I had somewhere to be, so I didn't pay much attention. Not exactly being a perpetual student of popular culture, I didn't give much of a fuck. I could have gotten in the car with them and no one would have noticed. The upshot of all of this is that later that day, my phone blew up. All of my idiots were sending me lnstagram posts of K2 with me. When I saw the press pictures I realized how much better my outfit was than either of theirs. They looked like Nippletown and a tasteless UX designer. It was nice. Oh, and the internet started referring me to “the lady with the scarf” and saying that I was “fire.” That was nice, too.
What do you love about writing?
When an idea comes full circle in a quietly perfect way, it's nothing short of amazing. I love to write. I am constantly writing things, however, that I don't enjoy. Things like grant applications and residency essays really bug me. I do, however, enjoy writing project summaries. And these emotional things called spiritual inventories. Characterizing my work and intent is recreational for me.
Do you think writing is sexy?
There is nothing, and I mean nothing, sexier than a good love letter. If that doesn't dovetail love and sex perfectly I don't know what does.
Who is your writing hero?
My mom. She is a fabulous writer. I love her lists, they are epic in their ridiculousness.
Read anything good lately?
I am knee deep in FLASH The Making of Weegee the Famous by Christopher Bonanos. It isn't life changing, but it is an in-depth look at the life of possibly the greatest flash photographer who ever lived. The man had serious hustle.
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I convince sexy writers and artists like Angela to reveal their creative secrets and process to arouse you and your own writing projects. Read more inspiring writer interviews here.
Catch Angela’s recent feature in Vice: “Seven Photographers Bring New Energy To Self-Portraiture”
Follow Angela on Instagram.
Browse Angela’s work, buy prints, and book shoots on her website.
Read my love-note writing lesson on Angela’s blog, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
