TOM Gould; Life in New York City & a Simple Cure for Homesickness

Tom Gould's films and photography have been screened and exhibited globally in MoMA, the Institute of Contemporary Arts and the British Film Institute, while having worked for a variety of clients and brands including NBA, Ralph Lauren, Reebok and MTV. Gould is also the co-creator of Viceland TV show F*ck that’s Delicious with Action Bronson. From half a world away, the inspiring lensman shares some of his inspirations, recommendations and recent discoveries.

My personal style can be defined by: Clean, classic, comfortable.

The last thing I bought and loved was: A larger than life set of luster gold grills from artist and friend Laurence Jaccottet.

An unforgettable place I visited was: Milos.

Next place I’d like to go to: Cuba — once the world heals.

An object I would never part with is: My Technics 1200 Mk2.

The design (building, person, item) that inspires me is:

Building: The New York City Subway System. Person: David Attenborough.

Item: A pair of ‘84 Jordan 1’s.

My favourite app is: Shazam! Still the coolest.

An indulgence I would never forgo is: Cheesecake.

If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city it would be: The Colosseum — Jamaica Queens, NY. You can get yourself a pair of Air Max 95’s, a Cuban-Link, a new car battery and a Jerk Patty within one city block — all to the backing music of 50 Cent’s ‘If I Can’t‘.

My style icon is: Ralph Lauren with a dash of Dennis Rodman.

The best book I’ve read recently is: The Fire Next Time — James Baldwin.

In my fridge you’ll always find: Something sweet — I’m a total sucker.

My favourite room in my house is: The one with the best light at that time of day — and it’s not always sunlight — sometimes the shadiest rooms on a sunny day are where you’ll find me.

I recently discovered: Driving in New York City. For 10 years I have been living here and due to the accessibility of the subway and the love for people watching — I never bothered to drive or to get a car. Due to the current circumstances, the way this city works has changed and having a car has become important to maneuver. It’s been a blessing, as what’s now accessible without many people on the roads has opened doors I had never looked behind.

My favourite website is: NZ On Screen. It’s a place I visit whenever homesick — it’s a comfort of being able to travel home in my head for a short amount of time. Some recommended classics you can watch there are Patu, Keskidee Aroha and this 95 Warriors Doco.

The people I rely on for my wellbeing are: My mum and my dog Harmony.

My favourite website is: NZ On Screen. It’s a place I visit whenever homesick — it’s a comfort of being able to travel home in my head for a short amount of time. Some recommended classics you can watch there are Patu, Keskidee Aroha and this 95 Warriors Doco.

The people I rely on for my wellbeing are: My mum and my dog Harmony.

A gadget I can’t do without is: Apple AirPods. I need to be listening to music at nearly every waking moment. Apple AirPods. I need to be listening to music at nearly every waking moment.

If price was not an issue, the one artist whose work I would collect is: Richard Serra — for my own imaginary sculpture park.

The last meal out I had that truly impressed me was: It’s been a long time between meals out in New York due to the pandemic, but my local spot The Fly is top notch.

The podcasts I listen to are: I’m a bit late to the podcast game in all honesty, but Rick Rubin’s Broken Record is a great listen. The Andre 3000 episode is really enjoyable. Goes deeper than most and I appreciate that.

The best gift I ever received was: A red-nose pitbull named Harmony.

The song/artist/album I’m currently into is: Does this link work? This sums it up. Enjoy.

If I wasn’t doing what I am, I would be: Working with youth in the arts — doing whatever I could to provide support and opportunities.

I have a collection of: First edition books that I cherish.

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard is: “To live on purpose…”