The Steeple Times asks contemporary artist and founder of theNativeSociety Oliver Estreich: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” Oliver Estreich, what’s your guiding force?
Creativity and sex.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Think rich, look poor” and “Nothing exceeds like excess.”
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2012?
Who is Kerry Katona? … For me, it has to be the amount of hype over Facebook and other social media ventures.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
I live in the moment so I have no regrets but I think about my Snoopy stuffed animal I had when I was a kid… He spurred my imagination.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
One night in Bangkok… Wait, I’ve already done that. My definition of “wealth” is: “One who is rich in friends, family and passion. “
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank.” What’s your view on the banking crisis?
Trump caused it.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Same shit, different day.” You might as well be a zombie or in a grave if you say or believe that.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Charity is vital to society – if you actually get your hands dirty. Simply donating to a cause to look like a “charitable” person is hogwash. I am a huge advocate of Humane Society and Special Olympics.
The judge in “Law Abiding Citizen” states: “I can pretty do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
Can’t live with it, can’t live without it.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Ernest Hemingway, Sir Richard Branson, Hugh Hefner and Andy Warhol.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Hudut caught with friends and cooked off the coast of Caye Caulker, Belize. It would be served with Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauce and a refreshing Belikin beer.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
It’s always 12 pm somewhere in the world.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A martini straight up with two blue cheese olives and a French blond model on the side.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Saturday parties at Le Bilboquet in New York’s Upper East Side. It has a great atmosphere and great staff. It’s like home.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Everyone I surround myself with is positive. Attitude is contagious.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Too many to count.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
I have one – Asian symbol for love and pleasure.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A Ferrari Testarossa.
Cilla Black presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I sleep naked.
Finally, Oliver Estreich: What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
A picture of my family next to a hundred other random items that serve some purpose.
Oliver Estreich is the founder of theNativeSociety and a contemporary artist specialising in pop art. Follow Oliver Estreich on Twitter at @OliverEstreich.