The Faena Questionnaire Tony Kelly
Fine art photographer Tony Kelly, known for his highly polished, playfully subversive images, has his lens fixed on his latest muse, Faena Miami Beach, to shoot his new photobook. At first blush, Kelly was immediately struck by the poetry of Alan Faena’s
ARTICLE ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN FAENA JOURNAL ISSUE #58 • WINTER 2024
“When I walked into the hotel for the very first time all my senses were stimulated—from the grand cathedral entrance to the smell to the breeze in the courtyard to the live music playing in The Living Room. It was like an endless massage of the senses and the soul,” muses Kelly. Every step of the way feels like a journey unfolding, shares the Dublinborn, Los Angeles-based artist, and the journey is propelled by the winds of live music that carry you from the beach to the garden to the bar.” This place is run by an artist, and you can feel it.” Once on property, Kelly rarely finds himself with an excuse to leave. “It has the highest level of service,” he says, “and everything works in perfect harmony.” The collaborative book is a natural extension of Faena and Kelly’s shared aesthetic. “My color palette is here, my musical taste is here; it all feels very organic,” explains the photographer. “Alan pays attention to every detail. That is what I respect. That is what inspires me.”
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A day with lifelong friends in Ireland on the golf course at Royal Dublin GC.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Cashmere winter jackets and coats. Buying them has become something of a pastime!
Which living person do you most despise?
No one in particular. I would say I feel uncomfortable to see people putting tattoos on their faces.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I am quite peaceful and happy with oneself.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My wife Johanna and my work followed closely by golf and Alpine adventures.
When and where were you happiest?
Always happy in the living room on Saturday evening with some friends watching my dear buddy Louis Amanti sing Sinatra.
What is your favorite occupation? Mine.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Temperance followed by Beauty.
On what occasion do you lie? Never, it’s a principle I live by.
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
I am good with that.
Which talent would you most like to have?
The skill to play piano at concert level.
Which living person do you most admire?
The guys and girls who wait tables, the porters, the people who turn the wheels in the world of luxury hospitality. They are the ones who put a smile on our faces.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Bullshitters. I have zero time.
What is your favorite journey?
The trail from Paradiso Club St Moritz down to the village. When there is enough snow, we can cruise all the way down the road.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Fxxk. Pretty standard in Ireland.
What is your greatest regret?
I only have one single regret and that’s not to have seems Sinatra live in concert.
What is your current state of mind?
Focused. I will embark on a two-days shoot tomorrow that will require my fullest attention.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I am peaceful as I am. Who is your favorite hero of fiction? None.
How would you like to die?
Loving.
If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
They could be here each weekend in Miami for golf.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Creating and building a body of work that is instantly recognizable and puts a smile on people’s faces.
What is it that you most dislike? Bullshit.
If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be? That’s nonsense.
What is your most treasured possession? My G wagon Cabrio.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Wool sweaters that irritate your skin, prickly wool.
Where would you like to live? Miami as I do. It’s the finest place to live.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Determination.
What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty and banter.
Who are your favorite writers? Jackie Collins, Paul Howard. Who are your heroes in real life? Hard workers.
What is your greatest fear? To duff a wedge from 40 yards but working hard on that.
What is your motto? Hard work beats talent every day talent is not working hard.
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