Smith, Patrick, Phyllis Smith, Shana Smith Rasmus, and Marissa Smith, 2005 May 10

Scope and content:

Patrick Smith is W. Eugene Smith's son, and one of the children depicted in Smith's most famous photograph, "The Walk to Paradise Garden". Phyllis Smith is Patrick Smith's wife and W. Eugene Smith's daughter-in-law.

Marissa Smith is W. Eugene Smith's daughter, named after a flamenco dancer named Marissa Flores.

Shana Smith Rasmus, born in Croton, NY, is W. Eugene Smith's daughter. She is documented in a memorable photograph of her standing on the railing of the stairwell inside the loft building.

In this oral history, Smith family members--Pat, Shana, and Phyllis--talk about W. Eugene Smith's life in depth, particularly his relationships with his wives and children, his creativity and artistic output, and their memories of the Jazz Loft building. Of particular note is their discussion of Smith's drug addiction, family interactions and conflicts over the years, the Smith children's personal and professional development over the years. Other people mentioned include photographer Jim Karales, family friend Ivan Tentchoff, and Smith's wife Aileen M. Smith.

In another interview Pat Smith and Ivan Tentchoff discuss the dynamics of the Smith household, their own friendship, and W. Eugene's Smith life and work. In particular, Pat talks about his father's creative process and borderline obsessive behavior when it came to making art. Ivan talks about befriending the family and looking out for Pat during Smith's frequent absences.

Contents

Using These Materials