By Jack Roman

When you look through John Knappe’s book, In Between the Sheets Vol. 1, you see things exactly for what they are. You get raw urban photography. There is the myriad of human experience; soul, sex, violence, love, humor, music, movement, innocence and humility. In the faces you see scenes of, hunger, reconstruction, renaissance, power and redemption. The most interesting thing, perhaps what makes it art, is that just looking at the photos, simply by examining them from wherever you are, you feel like a crucial element of the scene.

I have met John Knappe many times and the thing I remember most is that he is cool to it all. He was forthcoming about offering advice for the novice photographer, “It’s the heart that you put into the photograph that counts, not the equipment.”
With no hype at all, he’ll tell you he’s just a regular guy who will dive head first into a plate of chicken wings. He also talks about finding his roots everywhere from the streetscapes of Milwaukee, to the sun kissed states west of the Rockies, to the sweltering heat south of the Mason-Dixon Line. How does he sum up all that traveling? “I live in a culturally diverse atmosphere. I love it for the experiences I gained.”

The one thing Knappe doesn’t have a cool response to is his work. He says that what some people call simple pictures is his one true love; his addiction even. This is evident by the feverishly hand-written five page manuscript that is the answer to the questions I sent him prior to our meeting.

John Knappe is a photographer and is best summed up like his life’s work. As a truthful snapshot of all things just the way they are.

Here is John Knappe’s take on his life’s work.

Q: So you just finished up a show at Moct, and you are highlighted at CO2 right now with your work on display, plus gallery night is coming up. What do you think about all that; just doing shows and “being” John Knappe the artist?

A: “I’ve done about 20-some shows and they usually turn out pretty well. You just have to stay on top of your business when it comes to dealing with promoters and stuff. Most are pretty cool, but some are shady. I’ve been lucky to have good relationships throughout almost all of my shows. But there are a couple horror stories.”

Q: Why do you choose the people you highlight in your book? What do you look for in a subject?

A: “A lot of people will hate me for saying this, but everyday clients bring to the table a reality that trained models have lost. I enjoy the challenge. I enjoy someone who doesn’t think they always know what is best, but who can still offer ideas.”

Q: What do you love about being a photographer?

A: “I love being able to portray people as they can’t see themselves, or bringing out the things that they hide from other people. The honesty that can come through in a photo can last forever. That’s what I do this for, to make photos that people look at later and say, “You know that photo…”

Q: What is the motivation for your work?

A: “The motivation for my work comes from the reactions I get from it. When
someone is in awe from seeing a vision they didn’t think could exist, it lights me
up.”

Q: Who are your inspirations as an artist?

A: “I thumb through books of people I won’t mention. I don’t want to emulate anyone else, or look at their work long enough to subconsciously consider doing it. My real inspiration are living working small business owners who work for and
earn their respect. [They] swallow their pride to do what they love for a living.”

Q: Where do you think you fit into Milwaukee’s art scene?

A: “Not to sound like I don’t care, but be yourself and if people still like you [regardless] of what other [artists] think about you then that’s cool.”

“I feel like once I concern myself with the “arts scene” I pigeon hole myself into what others think I should be. If you do what you want, how you want, and people like it, you will persevere through a scene because you will be able to create work that people like. Artists are disposable. People want what they want, and they hire you or buy your work because it is what they want.”

Q: What about your education. Did you go to school for photography?

A: “I declined a scholarship. I have immersed myself in this art for 13 years. I pretty much breathe it. Love what you do, learn what you can and fine tune it. Ambition is better than any school.”

Q: Do you feel like you are an influence on people?

A: “I feel like once a person looks at himself like an influence he begins to decline. I feel honored to be here and to have turned a lot of people on to photography, but I can’t be arrogant to say that I am some kind of a huge influence, especially on the world.”

Q: Any big plans on the horizon.

A: “Always. I just don’t talk about them.”

You can talk to Knappe himself and see his work on display at CO2 Ultralounge.

http://www.myspace.com/johnknappedotcom

by Jack Roman

To help make you a legend for throwing your first New Year’s Eve cocktail party, here is a “professional” board of experts. The combined knowledge here includes Jack, with 13 years specializing in event planning and hosting, Dan who has spent over 10 years preparing some of the best dishes at top restaurants, and a 23 year old harlot, Kristen, who loves to party and has the photos to prove it. The only way to blow this shindig is if you don’t make it to the club by 12 midnight; but you can handle that on your own, right?

The Drinks

As a group we decided that any legendary party is a classy party, so you will want to focus on the basics. Get a couple of premium vodkas, like Kettle One, Stolichnaya or Grey Goose. A premium gin, like Bombay goes very well with New Year’s cheer. And lastly, one highly coveted bottle of Scotch, something like the Glenmorangie. There are better scotches out there, but this one is bad enough for everyone to like.

If you’re expecting wine drinkers, you should have at least one bottle of Fat Bastard Red, a Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio and several bottles of Martini and Rossi champagne on hand. If you expect Diddy or Fiddy Cent to show up, you will have to drop the $275 on the Louis Roederer Cristal from East Point Pick n’ Save. However, all your going to find in Milwaukee is 1998-2000, the ones preferred by your average hip-hop mogul date back to 1997 and 1995, so expect some disappointment there.

When it comes to mixers, rely heavily on anything that will turn your drink some shade of rose. Namely, cranberry juice. Remember the Cosmopolitan, with the help of four chics from New York, kick started the American martini revolution. Also keep tonic, pineapple juice, club soda, cola and a selection of Press Cocktail Sodas on hand. These will make your guests think that you’ve done this before. Have OJ and white cranberry juice cocktail out of the refrigerator and in a decanter and they’ll know you’re a pro.

The Food

If you’re going to liquor them up in a classy way you have to keep them fed in the same manner. Chef Dan says to ditch the potluck idea, and go over to Metro Mart. “For 10-15 people invest a Grant, $50 for you people who don’t see them too often, in a cheese and vegetable platter, sausage platter and shrimp cocktail platter. Now wrench another fifty out of your wallet and drop it on chicken satay skewers, a vegetarian pasta salad, some cheesy spinach dip and French bread.” These are the basics and really all you need to have.

Want to make it special? Dan says to get couple pounds of beef tenderloin, some charcoal and some cooking skills. Then prepare a spread of medium-rare grilled filet topped with Gruyere cheese and a balsamic reduction dipping sauce. Serve them cut into small squares with beef under cheese and use black plastic picks stuck through them as the handle. “You just know these wont last long, but it’s only the late comers who will suffer the consequence.” Which ever way you go with food, don’t forget a fresh holiday cake, German chocolate should suffice.

The Scene

“Women love parties. Men just love to drink.” Keep that in mind, Kristen says, when you start inviting people. “You want to tilt the percentages toward more ladies than men and at least as many singles as couples. This will ensure every one has fun and that they keep telling stories about your party throughout the year.”

We all agreed on a dress code. After all, it is New Year’s Eve! While prom dresses should have been burned years ago, an evening dress for ladies and a button down, clean shoes, slacks and a tie for guys and creates a good look for those late night photos. Otherwise, don the latest in fashion forward gear including a velvet jacket, aviator sunglasses at night, and/or 80’s inspired garb.

Kristen also says to focus on decoration. “If it’s a New Year’s party, make it festive; get the black plates and plastic cocktail glasses; some flowers and make creative use of tinsel. And to round it out, low lights and good music.” Also, make sure you have plenty of disposable cameras laying around, in addition to the host’s digital camera. There’s no better invite for next years party then some photographic reminders of the debauchery of the previous year’s event.

-Jack Roman