The Links That Join Us: Tierney Gearon

Tierney Gearon is an acclaimed Los Angeles-based contemporary photographer who has gained international recognition for her powerful work. Tierney has been exhibited at many prominent galleries and museums, including the Gagosian Gallery, The Parrish Art Museum, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, and Phillips de Pury & Company in London. In 2012, the New York Times commissioned her to write and direct thirteen short films, as well as a feature in the magazine section, highlighting thirteen Oscar award-winning women titled “Hollywood Heroines”.  Tierney most recently published “The Collection”, chronicling her journey with Hermès beach towels from the early 90s to present day through a visual diary. “The Collection” is the intersection of Tierney’s life as an artist, traveller, mother, and impulsive collector. Tierney and Pippa have known each other for over twenty-five years and share a strong bond; they have travelled to India together and spent time in their respective homes in London and Malibu. Tierney has been photographing Pippa Small campaigns for over fifteen years. Tierney’s book “The Collection” is available to purchase at our London shop. 

I am a photographer. I’ve been photographing since I was 26 years old. What inspires me is creating images that make people feel something—images that tell a story. I’m deeply drawn to family dynamics and to color. Most of my work happens while I’m travelling. I travel a lot with my family, and when we’re all together, incredible things seem to happen—these very natural, magical moments.

I’ve always wanted to create a body of work centered around color and nature, without people. What’s been incredible about my Hermès towel project is that it allows me to simply be in nature. I take my collection of towels out into the landscape—it’s like going on a hike, finding a place, and then spending time there. I sit with the space and begin to work with it, placing the towels, responding to the colors, almost decorating the environment. Over time, it feels like the towels become part of that location—as if they were always there. That’s really the essence of the project.

I met Pippa sometime before 2000. A friend of mine wanted to do a trunk show at my house and included Pippa. We instantly connected. We share the same birthday, and I’ve always felt we are very similar. She feels like a true soul sister to me.

My most special memories with Pippa are simply spending time with her and her children. We both always wanted to be mothers, and we share a deep love for motherhood and creativity. I think of moments at her home, or her visiting me in Malibu—seeing the goats, the chickens—those every day, lived-in moments. More recently, travelling with her to India was incredibly meaningful. We visited the artisans she works with, and having our children there as well made it even more special. It was fascinating and very personal.

I think my first Pippa piece was a collection of stones on a cord. I also remember a gold necklace made of small lentil-shaped beads, and a choker with a raw stone—it was quite extraordinary. I have so many of Pippa’s pieces now. I only wear her jewelry—I don’t wear anyone else’s. I’ve always related to jewelry in a very personal way,  I never take my pieces off, I wear them constantly. Pippa wears her jewelry the same way – it’s deeply personal and meaningful to her, not decorative or seasonal.