3:AM: When did the Antebellum Gallery open and what did you want to present there?
RC: Antebellum had a long run for an independent gallery, November 11, 2005 thru January 1st, 2017. I created what I believe to be the only fetish art gallery in the world, presenting fetish as art on a monthly basis.
Artists featured included Tom of Finland, Herb Ritts, Joel-Peter Witkin, Bob Mizer, George Quaintance, Peter Berlin, F. Holland Day, Wilhelm von Gloeden, Mel Roberts, Mountain Broady, Marc Littlejohn, Matt Pipes, Miguel Reyes, Hector Silva, auto show by George Barris, foot fetish photographer, Elmer Batters, Carlos Batts, Belasco, Rick Owens, performance artists Ron Athey and Keith Hunter, rare performance by The Living Theater, Shepard Fairey contributed artwork to a fundraiser, Asa Fox, musical performances by Gennie Goose and Alice Bag, Tony Ward (his first-ever exhibition), Robert Hill and Mr. Drake, (first-ever exhibitions) and me, Rick Castro (gallery owner and curator).
The name “Antebellum” (Latin for “before war”) was chosen to reflect what I viewed as a pre-war era of cultural strife, Which led us to where we are now…BELLUM.
3:AM: When did you begin taking photos?
RC: I took my first photo during the summer of 1986 of a young unknown model Tony Ward.
3:AM: What attracted you to photography?
RC: I had been working as a wardrobe stylist/costume designer for about 13 years, creating numerous ideas for other photographers and directors. I decided I wanted to create complete photographic images from start to finish. I was happy with my first results, so continued on. I initially loved the dark, noirish tones of black & white photography so created a body of that work. Later on, I explored color and digital processing.
3:AM: Does your art sometimes shock?
RC: Most likely, yes, but it’s not the sole intention. I’m presenting ideas and images most people aren’t familiar with. I think the times have caught up with me, so the shock has worn off.
3:AM: Any artists and photographers who have inspired you?
RC: Yes, many. I like the dead guys. Photographers Pierre Molinier and Brassaï, directors Pier Paolo Pasolini and Roman Polanski, writers Oscar Wilde and Tennessee Williams — and Gilles de Rais.
3:AM: Do you believe strongly in fighting censorship?
RC: Yes, it’s been a lifelong battle. During the 70s, things became so free. It’s disheartening to be in my golden years watching civil rights being stripped away on a daily basis.
3:AM: What was it like collaborating with Bruce La Bruce?
RC: We had a mutual appreciation of film. I guess we’re both obsessed cinephiles, so the process of creating a film together was exhilarating.
3:AM: Any memories of Joel Peter Witkin?
RC: Oh yes, great memories of all our collaborations from his versions of Leda and the Swan to The Three Graces. I have wonderful memories of spending New Year’s Day at his ranch in New Mexico, and a road trip we took to Acoma Pueblo, AKA Sky City: a Native American community inhabited since 1150 A.D. atop a 367-foot sandstone plateau. Joel helped me pick out my first camera at the local camera shop in Albuquerque. He chose a NikonFG because it was the most basic. I still have it.
3:AM: What was your first exhibition like?
RC: It was called Mass Murder and a Cute Boy presented by the original Different Light Bookstore in the Silverlake junction, 1989. I had about thirteen images on display above the bookcases. A leatherman drove up on his Harley, took a quick survey of the exhibition, came up to me and said, “I’d like to purchase two photos” (my first sale). He then said, “I would like to publish your book” (my first book). The leatherman turned out to be Durk Dehner from the newly formed Tom of Finland Foundation.
