[Title] Untitled
[Artist] Jorge Parde
[Date] 6/27/-09/09/2007
CONVERSATION WITH JORGE PARDO in JUNE 2007
The exhibition opening is approaching. What are you up to?
‐I am fine. I am into flying my plane and anything to with aviation these days.
Really? Where do you want to fly most?
– I now have my pilot’s license and hope to do some flying in Mexico.
Why in Mexico?
– Mexico is my favorite country to visit. I especially like the Yucatan peninsula and the city of Merida. It is not far from California, I love the food, can speak the language, and find it very relaxing.
How often do you travel during the year?
– I travel to Mexico on business 5 or 6 times a year and for vacation around twice a year.
You travel all over the world for exhibition. What is the most unforgettable dish you had while traveling?
– Last April, I was in Zaragoza, Spain to discuss a project there. The city of Zaragoza is hosting the 2008 European Expo and a number of art works will be commissioned for the occasion. That’s when I had a steak that was unforgettable.
How was that steak like?
– It was a very high-quality rib-eye cut that was seasoned very simply (lots of salt) and cooked very quickly so that the outside was seared and inside was very rare. I find that great food is often very uncomplicated.
Sounds like you like eating. Do you cook?
– My favorite way to cook is barbecue. What I really like is to roast a pig and invite people over for a feast. I am also pretty good at making salads.
I heard you love coffee. What was the best coffee you ever had?
– My favorite coffee is in Long Island, New York in the town of Greenport. The place is called Aldo’s.
Any advice to make good coffee?
– Get a good Italian espresso machine.
Now, let’s talk about dance. Do you dance? If so, what kind?
– I grew up in a mostly Cuban neighborhood in Chicago where salsa dancing was very much a part of the fabric of life there. But I don’t go out dancing these days.
Why?
– Too busy with work and family.
Do you have any particular moment when you feel like dancing?
– When I can find time to fly in my plane I almost get excited enough to dance.
Shall we dance at Le FORUM with your work?
– I hope so. Dancing in any context is usually a good thing.