Day 405 (February 9, 2015)
I think this is the 6th day that I’ve seen this guy sitting in there trying to stay warm. The winter streets are brutal. The underground provides some semblance of solace on bitter cold evenings. I’ve never seen him move. He is bundled up head to toe…with crumpled newspapers providing added insulation. I’m sure I’ll see him tomorrow. He’s the subway’s scarecrow sitting in place observing the sea of daily commuters that pass him by.
Day 404 (February 8, 2015) – New York, NY
So, I’m walking down the street just minding my own business….and then this happens. I giant bubble just appears out of nowhere and it means business. It chased the couple in the image for a few yards before turning its attention to a group of unsuspecting tourist. And just when the group was marveling at it’s beauty and rainbow colors…… POP! The group was covered by a soapy liquid mixture. The smiles on their faces instantly turned to frowns…..then a tinge of anger. This kinda reminds me of old New York when you always had to be on your toes and time when something could jump off at any moment. Welcome to the Big Apple! Our bubbles are even gangsta!
Day 403 (February 7, 2015) – New York, NY
This is my favorite bench in New York City. Every time see someone sitting next to the little guy hold in a bag of money I smile and laugh inside. It’s a Tom Otterness bronze sculpture….and I love it!
Day 402 (February 6, 2015) – Brooklyn, NY
Just another morning commute….but this got has foggy glasses..and I think that’s kinda funny. That’s it.
Day 401 (February 5, 2015) – New York, NY
I watched him struggle to light a match. His hands were shivering. Maybe it was the cold. Or maybe it was the drink. His face was worn and leathery. The wrinkles and fold told a story of street life or maybe just the harshness of his reality. He exhaled into the winter air and rejoiced in a simple moment of solitude.
Day 400 (February 4, 2015) – New York, NY
It seems like everyone has a cold right about now. I’ve been sniffling and coughing..but I’m fighting it! I’m not letting a cold get the best of me!!!
Day 399 (February 3, 2015) – New York, NY
Even on crowded subways, some Ne wYorkers find the time to get a little shut-eye. When you have a long day of hard work ahead of you, I guess every bit of sleep you can get counts.
Day 398 (February, 2, 2015) – New York, NY
Nothing much to say today. Just another long day in the Big Apple.
Day 397 (February 1, 2015) – San Francisco, CA
Boy is the Mission changing. The grit and grime is being replaced by condos and hipsters. LinkedIn and a few other tech companies recently decided to make this neighborhood their home. And of course the City decided to subsidize these businesses in the form of tax incentives and zoning concessions. Subsidizing the private sector in the name of job creation?!? Jobs for who? Definitely not for the long time residents of the Mission. And in the process of attracting or retaining these tech companies the City helps accelerate gentrification. This is the name of the game in cities across the country. So….I say bomb the system! And lets start over.
Day 396 (January 31, 2015) – Pescadero, CA
Last night’s conversation was hard. I’m not quite sure how I feel right now. I’ve also felt like an outsider….not just with this group…but sometimes in this field. It’s an uncomfortable dance with privilege. I remember the first time I attended one of these gatherings….the only person of color in the room…..by mistake….or just happenstance…..but not the first time….and I’m sure it won’t be the last time either. My entry ticket…only made possible because of where I work. I guess that’s a form of privilege..I have access to spaces and conversations that others don’t. I understand this and sometimes I’m troubled by it.
Should I even be in this conversation?
Does my voice matter?
This space is uncomfortable to me. I don’t want to hold hands and tell you my feelings. They’re not always good. I don’t want to tell you that most of the time I’m jealous of the people around me. I’m jealous of their lives. I really don’t know how to feel….I just know it’s just hard always being the only one in the room.
Shawn Escoffery Photography - 365 Project 