This week's Love Vote winner is a Stevie Nicks Selfie, Loved by Thea Charlesworth
In terms of musical style, the seventies were about two women – punk’s Debbie Harry and the frenzy of bohemia that was Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac. The physical embodiment of Woodstock vibes, arraigned in fringing, velvet, paisley, platform boots and a palpable romance, Nicks was the best dressed hippy around, synonymous with some of the best songs of the 20th century, a magisterial cocaine habit and frequent relationship disasters. What she is not known for is her skills as a photographer, but this may well be about to change, as a collection of her self portraits goes on show in New York, and wins the Loves vote for AnOther’s photographic producer Thea Charlesworth.
The images are exactly what you would hope for when asked to imagine Stevie Nicks’ self portraits. Taken late at night, in hotel rooms around the world while on tour, they encompass the shades and textures of her prodigious wardrobe, celebrate her many experimental hairstyles and conjure the dramatic atmosphere for which she is so celebrated. “Some people don't sleep at night,” she says. “I am one of those people. These pictures were taken long after everyone had gone to bed – I would begin after midnight and go until 4 or 5 in the morning. I stopped at sunrise – like a vampire...” Spooky, funny, solitary and melancholy, this hitherto unknown collection is an amazing insight into the backstage world of a woman who haunted the forefront of celebrity, brief moments of quiet amid the madness.
So to celebrate the release of the portraits and their Loves victory, here we speak to Charlesworth about her Stevie obsession alongside a collection of our own favourite self portraits.
Why did you love this picture?
Stevie Nicks is one of my icons. These selfies from the 70s are just amazing.
Where would you keep it if you owned it?
I think she would suit the conservatory at my parents in Norfolk. Full of bougainvillea. A definite element of Mrs Rochester meets Secret Garden there – Stevie's world.
If you were spending the day with Stevie Nicks, where would you take her and what would you do?
It would have to be something music orientated. So perhaps karaoke, we could duet on 'Go Your Own Way'. Then perhaps some Hocus Pocus witchery – I very much enjoyed her cameo in American Horror Story: Coven.
What is your favourite Fleetwood Mac song?
Sarah. Although it's a sad theme, I love it.
Who are your musical style icons?
Debbie Harry, David Bowie, Rod Stewart, Annie Lennox.
What is your favourite self portrait in art history?
Frida Kahlo.
To #selfie or not to #selfie?
I can't really deal with 'selfie sticks' if that answers the question.
What are you looking forward to about autumn?
Cosy fires and pugs on the sofa.
What was the last thing you bought?
An accidental purchase of a Margiela cape yesterday from Yoox. Ooops.
