"Ricky’s not one of those on-the-job type photographers. Ricky’s got a drink on, thank you, and he’s off the curb checking out the action as we hurl across 42nd and down the stairs to jump on the A train where he’s busy chatting up a girl from Queens with starchy hair and gold, dangly earrings and stretchy pants and the flash from his camera doesn’t interrupt his flow, but now it’s West 4th and we’re out around the block and pushing through the front door. “You claustrophobic?” is his only warning as we enter his Lilliputian playboy pad, floor stacked with old Jimmy and Lonnie Smith LPs and walls papered with mementos like Pete Maravich with his cute dirty-blond hair, graff samplers by ZEPHYR and REVOLT, a Vargas-style Batwoman, and other pinups oozing seventies do-it-yourself sex. Rick’s the Joe Franklin of downtown hipsterland and he’s got the flicks to prove it.
Life has been good and Ricky’s photos offer the best that life has: the pleasure of being some place at the right time and having the souvenir for tomorrow. Ricky’s always got his certification in phys ed in case this photo thing doesn’t pan out, but I’ve been seeing that classic Rickster flick of Flavor Flav and Biz Markie on bootleg T-shirts all over town, so we know he’s hot. And Ricky’s ready for his big bounce in O-five."
—Charlie Ahearn
Craig Wetherby was born, raised and currently resides in Brooklyn, New York. A completely self-taught photographer, he began taking pictures with a technique and style all his own. With his unique outlook, he has been able to capture some of the world’s most respected artists, athletes, entertainers and musicians for several notable publications such as Spin, Rolling Stone, XXL, Vibe, Frank151, Swindle, Mass Appeal, The Fader, Stuff, Snowboard Canada, and Warp Japan. With a seemingly endless portfolio, Craig has sustained the same fresh and unspoiled vision that began his career in photography.
