Kienholz ran the gallery where Berman had his first show (which was closed by the police). Ruscha was among his artist friends, Warhol shot his first film in Berman’s house, and Ginsberg contributed to his mail-art magazine ‘Semina.’ Trocchi hung out with him in Venice Beach, di Prima sent him a lock of hair, while his friend McClure was photographed by him as a naked lion.