Editorial
Our Q&A with Damien Hirst
Damien Hirst: controversial artist, cultural megalith, magic-maker, father of three and all-round-good-egg talks skateboards, socks and why you should be careful recycling unwanted Christmas gifts.
Damien, we've noticed that your work tends to address the uncertainty of life and the fundamental dilemmas of human existence. For the purpose of this article we think this is best expressed in the anxiety of a child on Christmas Eve and the age old question of what a woman REALLY wants for her birthday. So please, put aside the Crayola and let's see if your inventiveness and boundary-pushing extends to you gift gifting:
1) What gift are you most proud of giving?
I once gave a Playboy shirt to Jarvis Cocker and he loved it so much. And expensive jewelry for my missus, her face says it all.
Eh, we been told by the grateful recipient (Anthony Genn from 'The Hours') that Johnny Cash's actual guitar was also a pretty awesome gift so double points there.
2) What's the last gift you gave, and to whom?
Just had my kids birthdays (they are one day apart), for Cassius who turned 9, I bought some skateboard ramps.
Take a look at the dragon skateboard below which we think any 9 (or 39) year old skater-boy would love.
3) What's the most memorable gift you have ever received? Why?
£5 (a fiver) from my grandmother when she couldn't afford to give it, and a small copy of one of my sculptures made by my brother.
Hooray for grannies
4) What's the most disappointing?
A painting of bulls drinking champagne around a bull ring with the bullfighter getting gored.
Mmm, curious and curiouser....
5) What's the best gift you've NEVER received (but have always coveted)?
I don't really think about recieving gifts except when I get them and I'm lucky enough to be able to buy the things I want.
Indeed, a reliable feathered friend told us you fancied yourself one of these bizarre yet brilliant British Bird song clocks from the RSPB. You think you know someone and then.....
6) What is the greatest gift that money can't buy?
Health of course.
7) What gifts do people tend to buy for you?
People say im difficult to buy for so I get a lot of socks.
Note: if you really have to give socks then make sure they are the most interesting, most charming, most memorable socks available. Tall order yes, but a lame gift otherwise.
8) What's on your gift wish-list?
I dont have one, I'm self indulgent, I buy things rather than wait for someone else to think of getting me anything.
We spotted these beautifully distressed Martin Margiela ankle boots and thought of you. Tempted?
9) Is it the thought that counts?
The thought is probably the best bit, but there's nothing like the thought when it's something you really want or appreciate.
So, you're saying it's what's INSIDE that counts?
10) Finally, is it better to give or to receive?
I prefer giving 'cos there's less chance of ending up with junk, although you have to be careful of not giving the things you got last Christmas and didn't appreciate 'cos it's sods law that you will give them to the person who gave them to you.
Can't believe you kept that one clean!
We think your boys might like these...
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