Hamburger Eyes head honcho Ray Potes on barfing and the things he’d do for lust
- Text by Zach Sebastian
- Illustrations by Esther Sebastian (portrait) / Zach Sebastian - illustrations in text
Now, a word from the man who created the most epic publishing project around, Ray Potes. Starting as a small Xerox’d zine, Hamburger Eyes is heavily influenced by old school Life Magazines, film, surf, skate and classic street photography. He’s been publishing the unseen and iconic moments of everyday life from both up-and-comers and established photographers since 2001.
On Friday February 5, Slow Culture gallery in LA’s China Town is presenting CYBERNETICS a retrospective of 15 years of his handy work. Don’t miss this one!
And, take a looksee at his latest project Zine Kong, if you’re a photographer get your shit out there! Send it to Ray, check him on Instagram.
Describe your last perfect day
Woke up and went to the beach
What’s been done to death?
Instagram
Who is your hero of fiction?
The Terminator
Earliest memory?
Barfing
What is selling out?
Selling through an entire edition
What advice would you tell your 16-year-old self?
Surf more
If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?
More surf
Last time you lied?
Right now
Have you made it?
Not yet
What’s wrong with kids today?
Spoiled
Weapon of Choice?
Butterfly knife
Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time?
I haven’t made a sci-fi movie yet because my writing still needs work.
Growing up what was the most embarrassing thing you did to fit it?
Vocals for a punk band
Do you have a secret hunch about how you will die?
Not really. I don’t think it will be by accident though
What is your most treasured memory?
Waking up on a beach
When did you last cry in front of another person?
In my teens, when she told me she was pregnant (it turned out not to be mine though)
Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item.
Any camera, to start documenting the new life
Been caught stealing?
Never
Best joke?
Two peanuts walk into a bar, one was a salted
When did you realise you were up to something different?
In elementary school, when I started skateboarding
Do you have any rituals?
Starbucks, sometimes twice a day
Who gave you your first break?
Still waiting for it!
Most discouraging moment?
Every time I talk to a girl!
First memorable subversive act?
Skateboarding
First celeb crush?
Winnie Cooper
Do people in your neighbourhood know your name?
I just moved to a new city, so not yet
If you could master any craft what would it be?
Guitar
As a teen what film or book had the biggest influence on you?
Akira
When you were a kid where was the first place you sneaked off to?
Random parking lots or beach lookouts
Do you prefer the past, present or future?
Future
Growing up what was the most important record to you?
Misfits – Walk Among Us
If you could freeze time what would you while they slept?
Go to Disneyland
Who do you admire that’s under the radar?
Feature filmmakers using phones
Any vices?
Starbucks
Have you ever been fired?
Yes… the hotdog truck!
How do you drink your coffee?
Iced
Last time you went to great lengths for lust?
Rented a car and drove four hrs, stayed two hours, drove back
What do you collect?
Zines
Last superstitious thing you’ve done?
No seatbelt
What should Obama’s last act of clemency be?
Arresting cops
What comes to mind you look at the images below?
Psychologists say this image is purposely confusing, but if you see monsters or men fighting it could indicate poor social development!
Psychedelic shrimp dance
Stay tuned for more Spiel Sesh, coming soon. Next up, pro surfer Sterling Spencer.
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