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

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