 We are glad to offer you an exclusive interview with Ian Harding. I would like to say thank you to Ian for answering these questions.
Time runs through our hands like sand, forming a thin thread intertwined with memories and daily fuss. Less sand remains in the hand - more events happened in the life.
Who are you, simple servant of the Destiny or its Creator?
1. Do you think we are responsible for our own fate or is there someone looking over us and guiding us?
I think we're responsible for most of our fate. I think there are system in nature that are random and interact in beautiful ways. I don't feel there's a conscious controller.
2. Don`t you think that since gadgets invaded our lives, all these fantastic ideas that were brought up in the twentieth century about "big brother", surveillance and computers that control people are becoming more real?
Certainly, but this can be good and bad. Now we can catch criminals more easily, yet the power can also be abused by governments. It all makes me uneasy though.
3. Do you think that CCTV at work, in the shops and on the streets is the price worth paying for the safety? Do you even feel its influence since your life is always under scope?
I'm not under heavy surveillance, (I hope!), especially not by the paparazzi, but like any new advance in technology there are positives and negatives.
CCTV is a powerful tool and a responsibility, and in the wrong hands it becomes harmful.
4. About events: in February you took part in "Pretty Little Liars" convention in France. Of course tons of fans around Europe were inspired by this event. How tired were you afterwards? Does the amount of positive emotions compensate for such problems? Are you planning any similar event in the near future?
I had a great time, and I was exhausted afterwards. I felt uncomfortable some what because I don't believe I deserve this praise. I say lines for living!
That being said I'm happy I could brighten a few people's day. I plan on doing one or two more, and I know one is in Brazil this coming January, (possibly).
5. Judging by your Instagram you took a little tour around Germany after the convention. What is your impression of the country? Had any success in practicing German?
My German speaking was terrible! I've completely forgotten the language. I was so disappointed with myself. Regarding the country itself, I love going there. Its stunning and the people were very welcoming.
I LOVE THE BEER TOO!
6. About music: What do you think about cover versions? Aren`t they a copyright violation, since they contain fragments of the original author's work? Do you have a song that you like both in original and cover version?
I'm not sure about the legality of covers, though there are a few I really love. "Hurt" by Johnny Cash, which I believe was a cover of a Nine inch nails song. I'm actually a fan of harder rock, and my buddy Matty Mullin's cover of Bruno Mars' «Grenade» is pretty beast.
7. Nowadays there are so many genres of music that it is impossible to be aware of everything, even a lifetime is not enough to listen to all the songs at least once. What are your music preferences? Are your choices influenced by current trends, people that are close to you or do you trust your own taste only. Is there something that you want to listen to all the time? Do you have one song that you can start singing at any moment?
My tastes are all over the place. I love classical, folk, some hip hop, country, metal, and trance. I usually go with my gut, since that's what music is about right? Connecting to something emotionally? I love some songs and not others, simply because I connect to them in that moment. I think connecting to a certain song at a given moment can act as a litmus test to what you're feeling, even if you're unaware of it. For example, hearing a cheesy love song and wanting to listen to it over and over again may speak to whats happening in your love life. Maybe that love that has seemed silly to you, having never experienced it, now makes sense because you're with some one you truly love.
8. Last time we asked you what book you would take to a deserted island. Today I am going to ask you about Russian literature. What do you think about it? Do you think that we should only read contemporary authors because the works of past centuries are too old-fashioned?
Old fashioned?! How about timeless! Tolstoy is still read today because he can articulate emotions and the human spirit in a way that transcends time. Chekhov, (a personal favorite), is still performed today because the themes he wrote about are still present, (boredom with the self, class struggle, love and heart break, neurosis, etc). I love Russian literature and I think its very important. That being said I need to be in the mood for it!
Do you have any favorite contemporary author? And do you think that only in the works of the old school writers you can find something important, valuable and interesting?
I love Christopher Hitchens. He could be kind of an ass hole but he was very fun to read and what he wrote about is incredibly important and liberating. I just finished Alan Arkin's autobiography which should be a must read for any actor. I'm also about to start my Dad's book which is really exciting!
9. About the Russian character: it’s supposed that the Europeans can and like to keep distance in relationships. They don’t get into the soul, which is absolutely impossible for the Russian character. Even if ‘’a heart to heart’’ talk isn’t the main sign of mentality for us it’s the best recreation with friends and acquaintances. What’s your opinion, is it difficult to be such a Russian man, who always has to keep his soul plowing? Are you able to open your soul in respond or is this question too "Russian"?
Ha! What a question! I would like to think I'm open and "touch souls" in my relationships, but I can also see how that can be exhausting. I would only reserve that kind of interaction for the people I care about, the people I can cry in front of, the ones I don't need to be perfect for, the ones I can actually be mad at. It would be a terrible life to never be vulnerable in front of those you love.
10. About painting: What do you prefer – a style or an artist? What is your favorite picture? What would you hang on the wall in your study or room? Have you already got anything?
Honestly, whatever connects to me in the moment. Ansel Adams and the old Audobon prints really interest me, mainly because nature is so inspiring to me. Trees and birds have the same effect on me as a massage.
11. About relationships: "It’s only due to our own efforts that we have relationships with people. In case you stop writing, speaking or isolate yourself, the crowd of people around you will disappear. We understand that the major part of these people is ready to turn away from us (not of malice but because of indifference) and the rest think that they have the right to turn their attention to something else. Then we understand how many coincidences and chances are necessary for giving birth to what we call love or friendship. At this moment the world deepens again into darkness and we get into the bitter cold from which we were hidden for a short time by human’s tenderness." (Alber Camu)
What do you think about this?
Perhaps I'm misunderstanding or perhaps over simplifying, but I slightly agree. Relationships are happy coincidences that once found, require up keep, like anything else in life. But what beautiful responsibility.
12. About time: In human’s perception of reality there are several variants of the attitude to the events which happened in the past. Some people are sorry that the events which used to be in the past will never happen again. They continue to live cherishing their memories. There are people who are proud of the things that happened with them and hope to surprise themselves again and again. What variant have you chosen? Actually, it’s rather silly to expect the words of sorrow from such a young man like you…so I’ll ask you about a different thing…if you had a chance to change something in the past would you ‘’correct’’ anything in world’s motion of time? Not in private life but in the world’s scale? For example, John Lennon would have come home 2 hours earlier on the 8th of December and wouldn’t have met with Mark David Chapman.
I'm not sure. Some terrible things have happened in the past that I would love to change, like saving my cousin or not saying something hurtful to some one, but other than that I'm not sure if I would change things. Other than less human suffering, but also, out of that suffering great things have come about. Ultimately, I don't know how to answer this question!
13. The December 2012 had to be "the end of times". However, it didn’t happen but… the comet passed too close to the Earth, a meteorite fell down near Chelyabinsk in Russia. This winter in Russia was so long that we didn’t believe that spring would ever come. There were heavy snowfalls in Europe. Don’t you feel frightened? What do you think, will we survive or there is little time left for us?
Who knows. I try not to think about it. Eventually all life will end on earth and there's nothing we can do about it. Climate change is real and something that needs to be slowed, but ultimately we will out grow this planet or it will simply do away with us. Either way, I can only live the happiest way I can before I return to dust.
14. About humor: Everybody knows that humor is a national notion, it makes up a part of people’s mentality, that’s why it’s so difficult to understand humor of different nations. We know about a subtle English humor, an American humor with cakes and not quite decent jokes. What will you say? Does it happen that you don’t understand a joke because it’s too local? How do you slip out? Well, let’s speak about the details: is it easy to make a fool of you? Do you know about self-irony or would you rather feel hurt than let laugh at yourself?
I can laugh at myself if in the proper environment. I hate pranks that make people feel stupid or are overly embarrassing. Yes its good to be made fun of to lower one's ego, but its another matter to degrade some one.
15. One of the issues mentioned in the previous questions was missed opportunity. And you said that you would like to know more languages to be able to communicate in person, without an interpreter. How are you doing a year later? Have you already started mastering Russian?
Ha! My friend Simon is russian, so maybe I could start to learn from him. With languages though, I feel like you have to be immersed in the culture. When I was in France, I started to pick up the language after only 3 days. I can't sit at my desk and learn to use a foreign tongue. I have to see some one else's expressions and energy as well.
16. People are writing to you from different corners of the world in different languages. How do you deal with Twitter messages in foreign language? Ignore them or copy-paste in an online translator?
I mostly ignore them but occasionally I'll translate them. I don't respond to most of them because they're usually about how great I am and I don't want to respond and look like an ego maniac!
17. There are 2 really cute creatures in your life now. Bailey and Mochi. Why them? Did you choose them or did they choose you? How does it feel to be a farther of two furry friends? Have you already decided who is the master of the house?
I certainly am the master of the house! (Though they both get away with a lot because they're so adorable). I wasn't even really looking for dogs, but was curious about an animal shelter event in LA. I went with out any expectations, and sure enough, they fell into my lap. I keep getting reminded over and over that when you try to force something in life, the out come is never what you wanted. I went with the flow and my desires were answered.
18. A few simple questions:
- If the clothes, then - simple easy and comfortable.
- If the drink, then - beer, though wine and scotch come close behind.
- If the musical instrument, then - piano. you can speak in some many ways and genres with it.
- If the one-way ticket, then - new england, (a secret spot in my head)
- If music, then(mp3, vinyl and etc.) - ooooo thats a tough one. maybe live concert?
- If the movie, then - anything with Tom hanks. He's an idle of mine.
- If the kitchen, then - making breakfast!
- If the scenery outside the window, then - my favorite lake. (a secret I must keep!)
- If the sea-shore of the ocean, then - swimming
- If the morning, then - breakfast and a good book with the dogs on either side of me.
- If the dessert, then - Bread pudding. I will never turn down a bread pudding.
19. Is there any question that we haven’t asked but it is the one that you are always expecting?
Not especially! In face these questions, mostly philosophical were some of the most exciting ones I've ever answered. They're much more invigorating than "what's being on tv like?!"
20. And lastly, you have recently changed your address for mailing. However not everyone knew about it and already sent letters on your previous address and now they worry if you will ever get them. Can these guys hope that their letters will reach you sooner or later?
My publicist moved. Here's here new address:
Gina Hoffman
8687 Melrose ave
8th floor
Los Angeles CA 90069
Also, I take a while to answer back! I get some many letters that it truly takes several months to get through them all. Also, make sure there is a properly postaged return envelope enclosed!
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