By Lawrence Slater

Who I am going to meet.

Marc asked us this week to quickly note down the 3 people alive you would like to meet the most. The aim of the exercise was to show there is no reason why you cannot meet whoever you want. It is true, I think you can do anything if you truly make it your goal. Send them a letter, make them a painting, get their attention on social media etc. I think if I properly spent some thought on this these would change but these were my first thoughts and this is why.

David Hockney. Firstly, I love his paintings and drawings, they’re bright, they’re bold, they’re different, they’re simple. The amount of work he has made in his life is so inspiring for me. Like most great artists he has the constant drive and obsession just to make work wherever he is and with whatever is in front of him. He was producing famous works when he was in his 20’s and still now in his 80’s. I think he would have a lot to talk about. Can we do a drawing together?

Eric Cantona. I was born a manchester united church and Eric was the god. For me, he made the number 7 shirt iconic. He had more personality and charisma on the pitch than any other player I had seen. He popped his collar and oozed confidence. When looking back at united shirts from the ’90s the first player I picture wearing them is Cantona. I think doing with any player says a lot.

The old trafford fans are still chanting;

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true-love gave to me,
Twelve Cantonas,
Eleven Cantonas,
Ten Cantonas,
Nine Cantonas,
Eight Cantonas,
Seven Cantonas,
Six Cantonas,
Fiiiiiiive Caaaaantoooooonaaaaaaas,
Four Cantonas,
Three Cantonas,
Two Cantonas,
And an Eric Cantona.

The first advert I remember seeing on tv and then actively searching for online to watch again was the Nike football cage advert (2002.) The ad shows the current best players in the world having a football tournament at sea on a boat with Eric being in charge/the ref. It’s amazing, I hadn’t seen any like it before.

“When seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea.” I still do not exactly know what this famous press conference quote means from Eric, but I like it. It sums up his confident unapologetic nature perfectly. Can we play FIFA together?

The third person I’d like to meet is Jay Z. He is probably one of the best salesmen ever.

I sold kilos of coke, I’m guessin’ I can sell CD’s
I’m not a businessman; I’m a business, man!
Let me handle my business, damn.

As an advertising student, I could definitely learn a lot from him. I’m pretty sure he could write some tasty SMP’s. He has been relevant and in the mainstream for 25 years. Among other things, he has owned or worked on record labels, clothing companies, drinks brands, music streaming services, bars, and restaurants. He also has an expansive art collection not to forget has made 13 solo platinum albums. Can we set up a business together?