The Revue: Lucia Bell-Epstein

Welcome to The Revue, where we ask some of our favourite people about some of their favourite things. The art, music, food, objects and philosophies that matter the most to them.

Our latest guest Lucia Bell-Epstein: a photographer who mostly splits her time between her native New York City and Paris, capturing friends, food and intimate moments. Below Lucia talks us through art, objects, sentimental restaurants, her own take on style, and long lunches in friends' gardens.

1.) I’m a regular at…

My go-to is Diner for a Sunday night burger and Caesar salad. I always feel at home sitting in a booth there. I love that the menu gets handwritten on paper tablecloths for every guest. The chocolate nemesis cake is unbelievable.

2.) Photographic works that best represent my practice…

My photographs need to be able to stand alone as individual images but also tie together into a larger story. For me, process and in-between moments are just as important to document as something finished or “perfected.”

3.) My style…

I wear a rotation of blues, blacks, whites, and reds. Right now it’s a lot of turtle necks, jeans, and an old French chore coat. I love soft, white t-shirts and colorful socks, usually red or blue. I’ll add a neck scarf (Drake’s are my favorites!), and these often end up on my head as bandanas while working on set.

4.) Favourite places to eat in NYC…

My favourite restaurant is Omen Azen on Thompson street. My godfather Mikio Shinagawa opened Omen by way of Kyoto in 1981. I’ve been going since I was born. It’s country style Japanese. Jazz music always plays and they have the most beautiful paper lamps.

Another favourite is Lovely Day. I’ve been going since I was a kid, and the signature red booths and wallpaper haven’t changed. Lovely Day feels easy, in the best way, where I can go and grab dinner with anyone, anytime and have it feel intimate and relaxed.

5.) Who inspires me…

Chantal Ackerman, for her photographs, as well as her films, writing, and other works. I recently saw an exhibition of her work at the Jeu De Paume in Paris. Her iconic film, Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles, is a favorite of mine, especially the static camera work, sets, and props.

6.) Lessons learnt (from working in kitchens)

Working in kitchens taught me to take risks. Often, the unexpected and unintended lead to better images. My time cooking on the line pushed me to see beyond conventional beauty and focus more on the behind-the-scenes.

7.) Objects I couldn’t do without…

A collection of rocks, small, medium, and large, from Maine. A tiny bear claw dipped in gold on a chain I’ve worn around my neck since I was 8, my mother gave it to me and wears the same.

8.) Favourite neighbourhood…

I love walking or biking from South Williamsburg along the water to Greenpoint with a coffee and pastry from Marlow + Sons.

9.) If I could have lunch anywhere…

At a friend’s backyard in the summer grilling tomato sandwiches with garlicky aioli and basil and peaches.

Or in Paris at Billilli in the 9th arrondissement. I would order oeufs mayo, saucisson, tarama, pissaladiere, and anything they tell me to order, because it is all so, so good.

Even though they are only open for dinner, I would pick Le Cheval D’Or. It’s my favourite restaurant in Paris.

10.) Art that has impacted me…