PUBLIC SPACE

Stephen & Mauricio - Venice Beach Boardwalk, Venice - Beat

2012-01-26T22:01:00.002-05:00

Mauricio (left) and Stephen (right) met earlier today and started jamming together on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Their sound was on point and mad props to Stephen for making that drum set.

PS. Pictures I took earlier in the day at the Venice Canals...

Silky Blue & Jeff - Pershing Square, Downtown - Open

2012-01-20T23:47:00.001-05:00

From time to time I encounter such interesting characters and the conversations are so captivating that my post cannot do my experience justice. Sometimes the pictures speak for themselves, but in this particular post, these individuals' spirits and conversation delightfully surpassed my original expectations of this photographic project.

Today I returned to Pershing Square where I met Silky Blue who was taking a moment out of the day to eat lunch and relax. Silky showed off some beautiful jewelry and had fun smoking while I captured some shots.

Jeff started chatting with me when he saw my camera and this casual interaction turned into an hour of incredible stories. This lovely man from Macedonia described his childhood, what it was like to grow up in a Communist country, his love for soccer and how he has read only 10 books in his life, most significantly the Bible. He read the Old Testament for 5 days and 5 nights and upon completion, headed to McDonald's for some much needed sustenance. Before he could reach the counter, he collapsed from exhaustion and woke up the next day a religious man. Jeff's positivity emanated from every story he told and I wish him the very best.

PS. Some pieces from the Art Squared Outdoor Cityscape gallery at the square.

Isabella, Hannah & Molly - Barnsdall Art Park, Los Feliz - Change

2012-01-17T03:49:00.000-05:00

Isabella (left), Hannah (center), and Molly (right) were chilling out and enjoying the holiday at Barnsdall Art Park. I had a delightful time chatting with these stylish ladies and I learned that Molly moved to Los Angeles yesterday. Props for already repping our Lakeguys with that hat. Welcome to La La Land! I hope it treats you well. :)

PS. More pictures from the art park. Today was my birthday so I went to my favorite public space in Los Angeles as a present to myself (I also gifted myself a bowler hat...). I had a lovely afternoon and enjoyed the simple act of sitting on a rock, being warmed by a star.

(what do you see?)

The Dog People - Cristina & Desmond - Mulholland Fountain, Los Feliz

2012-01-11T22:06:00.002-05:00

I've been trying to shoot at the William Mulholland Memorial Fountain for a few weeks now, as it is quite a beautiful site. However, it's tucked between the 5-freeway and Los Feliz Blvd, making it slightly isolated and somewhat empty during the day. It's still popular for dog walkers and I was lucky enough to catch Cristina walking her dog Desmond. Yes, that is Desmond after the loveable, Scottish character from Lost and yes, that is a Dharma Initiative dog tag (as a fellow Lost fan, I find that totally awesome). Cristina, originally from Long Island, just moved to the area from Laguna Beach and walks with Desmond by the fountain on the daily.

PS. More pictures of the fountain...

Adam - The Brewery Arts Complex, Eagle Rock - Earth

2012-01-09T23:46:00.000-05:00

Today, I was delighted to explore an artist's paradise tucked away in Eagle Rock, called The Brewery Arts Complex. Adam was working on a sewage pipeline outside of a residence when I swooped in to take pictures. While he does not live there, Adam has been working at The Brewery for the past 5 months and recently had a son, Blake. Congrats Adam!

PS. Check out more pictures of this insanely beautiful artist's playground. Also, The Brewery will be hosting an art walk on March 31 and April 1 if you want to experience this magical place and its talented artists firsthand.

(my homies, Bebe and Rose)

(Barbara West Brewery, the bar/restaurant at The Brewery)

Stephanie - Melrose Trading Post, West Hollywood - Gems

2012-01-08T22:04:00.000-05:00

One of my all-time favorite things to do on a lazy Sunday is explore a local flea market. I am always delighted by the colorful things and people, the adventure of treasure-hunting, and the stories that each object tells. Today, I went to the Melrose Trading Post at Fairfax High School. Stephanie was running the Possession Vintage Boutique while looking quite stylish and comfy. I enjoyed perusing the vintage clothes and ended up snapping some pictures of this pretty lady. If unique, vintage clothes are your thing, be sure to check out the Possession Vintage store in Highland Park!

PS. More pictures of the flea market and its treasures...

Amy & Levi, Erin & Bridget, Kai - Barnsdall Art Park, Los Feliz - Rapport

2012-01-05T22:11:00.000-05:00

Today I returned to one of my favorite public spaces in LA, Barnsdall Art Park in Los Feliz. I saw Amy and Levi walking around on the grassy hill and most immediately noticed Amy's cool frames and the great rapport she had with her son. Levi found me quite amusing and luckily I was able to capture some pretty cute moments.

Erin (left) and Bridget (right) were chatting when I interrupted to snap some pics. Not only are these ladies beautiful but I love how they have such different styles.

I met Kai when he asked me about tours of the Hollyhock House, which I didn't even realize was part of the park. (Side note: The building was designed by renown architect Frank Lloyd Wright. I had the privilege of visiting one of Wright's houses in western Pennsylvania a few months ago, called Falling Water. It is built on a waterfall and was truly magnificent!) Kai has a beautifully mixed heritage, half Japanese and half Jewish. Feel free to check out his cinematography on his website, www.kaisaul.com.

PS. The view at Barnsdall Park at sunset is quite a site...

Malik & Mini - Rose Parade Floats, Pasadena - Sunny Disposition

2012-01-04T00:41:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year dear friends! I hope your 2012 has been wonderful so far and that you've recovered after all that New Year's bubbly (my cure: breakfast burrito, lots of water, and a good day of sleep). One awesome thing about growing up in Pasadena is the festivity surrounding New Years, as we are home to the annual Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game. Today, I went to go look at the Rose Parade floats, conveniently parked a few blocks from my house, and joined hundreds of others from near and far to experience this Pasadena tradition. While these floral artworks are beautiful, I found the people just as eye-catching.

Malik (above left) and his grandmother, Mini (above right), were taking a break from viewing the floats to rest in the shade, and for good reason...it was 83 degrees and sunny today in Southern California. Mini's fabulous hat caught my eye and got me wishing I had brought my own. The pair come to view the floats every year. I had a great time snapping Malik's model poses and sweet hair carving. So cool...

PS. More pictures of the floats...

(2012: Year of the Dragon!)

Mish, Daniel & Adam - The Marina, San Francisco - Bros

2011-12-28T02:56:00.002-05:00

I was lucky enough to spend the weekend with some awesome guys in San Francisco. On Christmas Eve, we spent the day in The Marina, enjoying the beach and the gorgeous view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Mish (above) and I are college buds and I had an excellent time catching up, eating dank food, and chilling hard with this homie. I was also happy to meet his inner model and what a darn handsome gentleman he is!

After Mish took some pictures, all the boys wanted them, of course. I got some really beautiful shots of Daniel (above), my new South African "bru."

Last but not least, I shot one of my best friends from college, Sir Adam Feldman (above).

PS. More pictures from the Marina...

(started the day in Lower Haight)

(Alcatraz in the distance)

Savannah, Andrew, Louise, Haley, Alyssa & Irie - Dolores Park, San Francisco - Chillers

2011-12-23T21:50:00.002-05:00

Hannah appeared to be truly enjoying the delightful, sunny day at Dolores Park. I got to snap some pictures of her as a few guys in her crew started a massive doggie pile (above). This gorgeous girl is a model and you can check out more pictures of her on Facebook under Savvy Suicide. Hannah was so sweet and the positive vibes were clearly flowing today at Dolores (I'm pretty sure that's the norm).

Louise (left) and Andrew (right) were about to leave and I'm glad I asked to snag some pictures of them drinking brews and chatting it out. Louise is visiting from Sweden, this being her second time in San Fran. Andrew is a local photojournalist and is launching a site called the Local Edition this coming February. Check it out and support this fellow photog!

Haley (left), Alyssa (middle), and Irie (right) were chilling out and rocking excellent, individual styles. Haley is a sculptor and you can check out her beautiful work at haleydavissculpture.com. Alyssa is a print and jewelry maker and Irie is a hip hop/reggae musician. What talented San Franciscans!

PS. The wonderful hill of chillers that were still around at sunset at Dolores Park...

Many Bears, Jun, Scarlet & Maximilian - Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica - Drop

2011-12-21T02:44:00.000-05:00

Many Bears, a member of the Cherokee Nation, was eating his lunch on The Third Street Promenade today. This sweet guy is a break dancer but recently hurt his knee while performing a knee spin. Heal quickly Many Bears!

Jun was talking to a buddy when I noticed his sweet sweater that matched oh-so-well with his LA Angels hat. Straight chilling.

This fantastic duo, Maximilian (left) and Scarlet (right), were the life of the party on Santa Monica Blvd. and 3rd. Scarlet Ray Watt is the first, black, professional comedy ventriloquist in the history of British show business and you can check out more videos of this lovely chap here.

PS. More pictures from the promenade and the pier...

(Happy Hannukah!)

Talia - The Last Bookstore, Downtown - Write

2011-12-16T06:27:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday night I was privileged to take pictures of Jill Schary Robinson and the Wimpole Street Writers as they read from their hot-off-the-press anthology at The Last Bookstore. My writer friend, Talia, was the MC for the night as well as the editor of the publication. She opened the evening by eloquently reading the foreward she wrote for the book:

These pieces of writing - poems, prose, and screenplays - they keep you safe. They don't lead you astray; they couldn't if they tried. You're in good hands with these writers. Hands I would trust with my life.

You can catch another reading by this inspiring group of writers at Book Soup on February 2, 2012 at 7 PM. If you would like to purchase the book, email wimpolestreetwriters@gmail.com. Huzzah!

PS. More pictures from the evening at The Last Bookstore...

(left: Jill Schary Robinson)

Brandon - Pershing Square, Downtown - Bedecked

2011-12-14T16:30:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I went to Pershing Square, one of the main public spaces in downtown LA. Having lived on the east coast, it was slightly odd to see an ice rink lined by palm trees, but the jovial skaters didn't seem to mind. I met Brandon, who posted up to eat lunch next to the rink. His chill, Cali vibe was compounded by his gorgeous dreadlocks and wonderful jewelry. A "dibble-dabbler" photographer, he noted my camera and told me about the Nikon he was toting in his bag. Happy shooting Brandon!

PS. More pictures from Pershing Square...

Jimothy - Fashion Foreplay at The Tamarind Studio - Daring

2011-12-11T20:09:00.001-05:00

Last night I went to Fashion Foreplay, a fashion event featuring young designers at an intimate studio space in Hollywood. As expected, there were many stylish characters in attendance and Jimothy was one of them. He was there to support a friend and came dressed to the nines while looking super comfortable at the same time. Those leather cuffs above are Jimothy's design and you can check out his other pieces at the Chi Stylezs site.

PS. Square people, I feel the need to apologize for the departure from this blog's usual subject matter. While I continue my journey to public spaces around LA, I have been fortunate to attend and capture some excellent public events as well. I hope it's cool if I share those images with you and that you continue to enjoy!

PPS. More pictures of the event...

(Designer: Bel Kazan)

(Designer: Kucoon)

Shana & Dcastro - Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk - Radiate

2011-12-09T04:47:00.001-05:00

Last night I went to the Downtown LA Art Walk with my homies Rose and Ron (both previously featured square people) and saw some wonderful art. Our first stop and one of my favorites of the night was Shana and her Solar Sculptures. These beautiful hanging lights reminded me of jellyfish (my favorite underwater creature) and Shana explained she found her inspiration from flowers. You can control the lights and colors with a remote control and some of them are solar powered. Check out her website and support this creative lady!

Dcastro was another favorite of the night with his colorful and psychedelic paintings. Originally from Coromandel, Brazil, Dcastro created a new philosophy of art called "New Contemporary Art," which is comprised of seven elements: modernity, contemporary, innocence, simplicity, spirituality, happiness, and poetry. Listening to him describe his artistic vision was fascinating and I enjoyed ruminating on how my personal interpretations of the works differed from the original vision. You can check out this talented artist's website here!

PS. More pictures from the art walk, which was indeed a beautiful night of light, color, and design...

(artist: Miguel Osuna)

Daniella, Thadcha, Emmanuel & Hector - Hollywood Boulevard - Stars

2011-12-08T16:07:00.001-05:00

Daniella was working in the plaza of the Hollywood and Highland Center on a Geico advertisement and she kindly took a few minutes to take some pictures with me. I really like her comfortable, simple, yet stylish work clothes.

Thadcha was walking through the central plaza with a friend when I stopped her. Not only is her outfit eye-catching and super cute, but this pretty lady is Australian (great accent), born in Germany and ethnically Sri Lankan. What a wonderfully diverse background!

Emmanuel was performing "I'm in Love with a Stripper" near the Walk of Fame when my friend Miriam and I came along. His performance was super entertaining and I soon discovered he was just making a guest appearance using Hector's (below) set-up. Spontaneous street song? Awesome.

The fact that Hector let Emmanuel use his instrument and equipment made me like him even before I met him. I soon discovered what a sweet man and excellent performer he is, serenading us with the LA holiday classic, "Feliz Navidad."

PS. More pictures of Hollywood and Highland, the "Times Square" of Los Angeles...

Lucky, Robby, James & Erin - Los Angeles Public Library - Perception

2011-12-06T20:22:00.001-05:00

Lucky was trying to read the words on one of the empty fountains in front of the library in preparation for his court case after getting arrested at Occupy LA (he was the character in the tree in front of City Hall). Sans glasses, he asked me to read him the quotes and I'm so glad he did because not only were those words quite powerful aloud, but I find myself forgetting to take in significant details like that, especially when there's running water to distract me. Much respect, sir, and I hope everything works out for you.

Robby and James were chilling out on a bench near the side entrance of the library when I asked to snag their pics. These handsome gentlemen are bros...see the resemblance? I had fun shooting all of Robby's sweet tattoos and he showed me how all of those words are ambigrams...flip your computer around and check it out! Loving the hand monocle and mustache shot...

Erin was taking a break from work when I caught her mid-bite of her yummy-looking Chinese food. She has to leave her house or she'll end up watching TV, something with which I can definitely commiserate, and Law and Order is one of her favorite shows. We compared school rings as I found hers from Arizona State quite beautiful without being an obnoxious, football championship, punching ring. Good luck with work Erin!

PS. More pictures of the LA Public Library, one of the most beautiful public libraries around...

Peter, Melanie & Zack - Venice Beach Boardwalk, Venice - Beach Bodies

2011-12-04T11:38:00.001-05:00

If you want to fully experience Los Angeles, you have to go to the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Perhaps the only public space that comes close to the diversity and color of this blog's original setting, Rittenhouse Square, the boardwalk is lined by vendors and performers with the Pacific Ocean as their backdrop. Yesterday at sunset, I walked down the strip with my friend Zack (see below) and one of the musicians we saw was Peter. He was wailing on his guitar and his raspy voice transported me to a time of rockers and flower children.

Melanie also had an awesome, hippie vibe as she skillfully wrapped that young girl's hair with cool, colored thread. Loving that coat!

My friend Zack and I headed to the beach for a sunset photo shoot and the light was oh so nice! I met Zack in college through my friend Adam and he has been my bro ever since. Zack works at Universal Music Group and being the NY native that he is, Zack is slowly warming up to LA. I'm hoping to show him a good time so he'll stay!

PS. More pictures of the boardwalk...

The Dog People - Silver Lake Dog Park - Gabi, Frida & Flash - Venice & Oliver

2011-12-01T21:47:00.001-05:00

Gabi was just about to leave the dog park near the Silver Lake Reservoir when I arrived with a friend. Luckily, I was able to snag some pics of this pretty lady and her super friendly dogs Frida (the Chihuahua) and Flash. We chatted about our similar names, her Cuban heritage and her snazzy style.

Venice and Oliver were also in the small-dog section of the park and I'm pretty sure when Oliver saw my camera, he started modeling for me. Venice didn't have to work today because of the So Cal power outages caused by the insane Santa Ana winds last night. Despite the backed-up traffic and palm tree debris, a spontaneous day off sounds pretty nice to me.

PS. More pictures of the dog park. It was pretty industrial but the dogs seemed to like it!

Ron & Willow - Barnsdall Art Park, Los Feliz - Oasis

2011-11-30T21:25:00.001-05:00

I met some awesome people today at Barnsdall Art Park, a peaceful oasis on the top of a hill in Los Feliz. Ron had posted up on the lawn to study and impressed me with his focus, seeing as he was surrounded by some dramatic views of the city (check out pictures below). He is a photographer and video director and you can check out his website here. Ron pulled up a few of his favorite pictures on his phone and we chatted about the photoworld in Los Angeles. I love meeting contemporaries because it makes me even more excited to be a young artist in this community!

Willow started playing right when I finished talking with Ron and I knew I had to say hello. He is part of an artist collective called Truth Media and you can check out some of their videos here. Willow is also in a band called The Vaynes and they will be playing a show at the Key Club Plush Lounge on December 7 at 8 pm. Go and check them out!

PS. More pictures from Barnsdall Art Park...

Manny & Benny - Chinatown, LA - Craft

2011-11-29T20:45:00.001-05:00

I met Manny while he was working in Ooga Booga, a small space off of the Chinatown Central Plaza that supports the creations of independent, young artists and designers. You can find zines, mixtapes, artist notebooks, clothes, and generally interesting and beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces. Manny is an artist himself, specifically a printmaker, and besides being a super sweet guy, he was rocking a sweet, So Cal style.

Benny was waiting for a friend when I arrived at the Gold Line stop and I decided to miss a couple of my trains to take his pictures. Not only is his style particularly fly but he is also a singer and guitarist in the band East of the River. Listen to their song "Take You Alone" here. Mad props!

PS. Here are more pictures from my afternoon in Chinatown. I even made my lucky penny into the love cup of the fountain below. While my life is already full of love, I wouldn't mind a little more. :)

Sahana & Maya - Brookside Park, Pasadena - Princess Dress

2011-11-28T23:36:00.001-05:00

Today I met Sahana and Maya while walking around the Rose Bowl area with friends. Their parents were kind enough to let me take their pictures and I am so glad because these little ladies looked super cute in their graphic tees. I enjoyed talking to them about their princess dresses (Maya's is pink while Sahana's is purple with pock-dots). For being so young, those cutie-patooties were extremely outgoing and articulate...my type of gals. :)

Rose - Victory Park, Pasadena - Home

2011-11-26T14:51:00.001-05:00

Hello square people! For everyone who celebrates Thanksgiving, I hope it was delightful and delectable. For those in other countries, you are officially invited to my childhood home in California to share Thanksgiving leftovers with me, arguably the best kind of leftover. Take me up on my offer, and you'll most likely meet Rose, the girl that fearlessly introduced herself to me in sixth grade, despite me being the shy, new girl with glasses and braces (yes, it's sad but true). Since then, we've traversed this crazy roller-coaster of life together, from the confusing years of adolescence to the madness of college to now. Rose has a huge impact my personal style and aesthetic and it makes sense that this creative mind went to RISD for fashion design. Check out Rose's website here and you'll see just how talented and imaginative this chick is.

PS. You may have noticed that the site has a new name and look. This is a consequence of my decision to relocate for a few months to the west coast...pretty good timing seeing as Philly is about to become a winter wonderland. However, do not despair Philly-heads! I will return in the spring but in the meantime, why not continue meeting square people in Los Angeles? I hope this change of scene continues to interest and inspire you. And to the City of Brotherly Love, it's been swell but don't worry, I'm not done with you yet. :)

Michael - November 21 - Dance

2011-11-21T16:45:00.001-05:00

Michael was dressed to the nines today and I appreciated his focus on detail, like that Rouge napkin used as a pocket square...what a great idea! Michael used to model and is now a modern, jazz and classical dancer. He told me about his internet claim to fame when a video of him dancing on top of a Septa bus got online. You can check out the video here. While I don't think that was the safest idea, I have to give Michael props for feeling the music!

Cleta, Mely & Chad - November 20 - Sunday Styles

2011-11-20T17:33:00.001-05:00

These lovely ladies were chatting, people watching and looking generally fabulous. Cleta (right) was looking for handsome bachelors and Mely (left), while having a life companion, was enjoying the characters of the square as well. Cleta's sunglasses and gloves caught my eye and then after taking off the shades, I saw that fabulous, blue eye shadow. Any man would be lucky to meet this fashionable and friendly femme!

I interrupted Chad's reading of the Bhagavad Gita to take some pictures of his snazzy style. From the page boy hat, to the leather jacket and plaid shirt, to the argyle socks and grey Keds, Chad was killing it today! A dentist, Chad has worked in Nepal and a friend's recent trip to India led him to investigate the Hindu scripture to become more culturally aware. Smart dresser and smart citizen of the world...good work Chad!

Natasha, Max & Kevin - November 20 - Bench Brunch

2011-11-20T13:53:00.001-05:00

After getting brunch with a friend, I went to the square and took some pictures of fellow Sunday brunchers, enjoying the park and the excellent Sunday people watching. Max and Natasha were both wearing colors that caught my eye. I am loving Natasha's bike tattoo and the purples of her scarf and skirt, as well as Max's red socks. Way to bring some color into the generally drab, fall color scheme guys!

Kevin was also enjoying this mild Sunday weather with coffee and a cigarette. His look was too cool to merely pass by!

Ryan, Ali & Chuck - November 19 - Discourse

2011-11-19T18:43:00.001-05:00

Ryan (left), Ali (middle), and Chuck (right) were enjoying a friendly, intellectual discussion when I interrupted and said hi. As I am a big fan of hats, Ryan's snazzy style caught my eye and I soon found that each person had their own look, from Ali's gorgeous hair to Chuck's Flyers hoodie. My support goes out to fellow artists, Ryan, a guitarist, and Chuck, a writer. It is a lovely night in the square for good conversation with good friends.

Robin - November 18 - Fly

2011-11-18T20:28:00.001-05:00

One of my best buds from college came down from NYC yesterday to visit her family and friends in Philly. We walked the square today, catching up, petting dogs, and jumping around.

Robin is one of the most hard-working and talented chicks I know. From taking class, to work, to volunteering (yes, all in the same week), she does it all and still manages a social life. Pretty impressive. You might be able to tell from her graceful jumping above that she can dance and graced the stage many a time during college with the all-female musical and sketch comedy group, Bloomers. Keep up the good work mah lady!

The Dog People - November 18 - Kevin, Percival & Sebastian

2011-11-18T19:56:00.001-05:00

My friend Robin and I were walking through the square today and spotted Kevin and his beautiful Shar peis, Percival and Sebastian. Then commenced a petting and photo session with those cuties. Shout out to Kevin's daughter for choosing quite excellent names for them, inspired by the Knights of the Round Table.

Donnie, Steve & Massi - November 13 - Beautiful World

2011-11-13T18:55:00.001-05:00

This beautiful lady is my roommate! I know, I'm really lucky :) She was looking quite fall fashionable today and I wanted to capture the beauty and fun of playing in the leaves.

Steve (left) and Massi (right) were adding to the lovely ambiance of the square today. I asked them if they had any personal websites highlighting their musical talent and they said no. They just enjoy meeting up and playing.

I would like to share some of the the sounds and sights today in Rittenhouse. It was one of the most beautiful days in the square, which is saying a lot because this fall has brought many a beautiful day. Here are a few things I observed and wrote down earlier:

Classical music floating through the air. "Poomf!" of a boy's foot making contact with a soccer ball. The jingle of a dog leash. The rustle of the wind through the trees. People chatting, reading, walking, playing. Leaves completely covering the grass. The comforting smell of a burning cigar. A little boy throwing fallen leaves up into the air. That feeling in your stomach of overwhelming gratitude for being a part of this world.

John & Josh - November 11 - Cozy Readers

2011-11-11T16:53:00.001-05:00

A few people braved the chilly, fall weather today to enjoy Rittenhouse and one of those people was John. He looked warm and comfy in that coat and his classic style was enhanced by the cigar in hand. John was reading Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game by Michael Lewis.

When I passed by Josh, he was huddled over his book braving the chill and all I could see was that cool, hoodie poncho. I wasn't able to ask him what book he was reading as he got a phone call, but it must have been thrilling enough to endure some cold hands.

PS. Happy 11/11/11! If you make a wish at 11:11 pm tonight, the odds are stronger than ever that it will come true. Happy wishing!

Caroline & Mark - November 9 - Light & Color

2011-11-10T00:30:00.000-05:00

I was chatting with a square homie when I saw Caroline's hair from afar. This sweet lady was rocking some phenomenal kicks as well as a bold and colorful look. Shout out to her friend Gianfranco throwing up the peace sign!

Mark was finishing up his work for the day when I asked to take some pictures. He specializes in portraiture, still lives, and cityscapes and if you would like to see more of his work, you can check it out here. Also, if you need something to do tonight and enjoy gallery openings, Mark is displaying some of his work with another artist, photographer R. Alexander Trejo, at Studio Christenson on 20th and Panama St.

Lauren - November 8 - Bright

2011-11-08T18:16:00.002-05:00

I was passing by the square today on my way to get some lunch when I saw Lauren. Luckily I had my camera on me because this chick is stunning! Lauren's clothes, earrings, backpack and bike made me as happy as today's sunshine.

David, Najashi, Jordan & Craig - November 7 - Calypso Kaleidoscope

2011-11-07T21:00:00.003-05:00

Najashi (far left), Jordan (center left), and David (center right) are Calypso Kaleidoscope and today their music transported me out of the square to a tropical beach with a Mai Tai in hand. Not only is their name pretty awesome but those steel drums were beautiful and really shaped the Afro-Caribbean sound. Calypso Kaleidscope can often be found playing at the Jamaican Jerk Hut, a super fun, outdoor venue on South Street and 15th. Check out a video of them playing here.

Craig (far right), a guitarist, composer, and producer, just happened to walk by them in the square today and started jamming. You can check out his website here.

Dominique, Sharod & Katharine - November 7 - Fall Fashion

2011-11-07T19:59:00.003-05:00

Dominique (left) and Sharod (right) were looking so fabulous today that I had to document their style. We had a great time taking pictures as these sartorialists showed off their digs. Both Dominique and Sharod are stylists, surprise surprise! Sharod has done a bit of modeling and you can check out his blog here.

Katharine's fall fashion was a refreshing sight. Having lived in Philly for the past few years, I've noticed that as the weather gets colder, people start wearing darker, more neutral and, in my opinion, drab colors. Katharine's hat was wonderful, kudos to her mom for knitting it, and her pants and shoes showed off her colorful spirit.

Jordan & Elle - November 4 - Style

2011-11-04T19:04:00.000-04:00

Jordan's put-togetherness was slightly intimidating from afar but I found him extremely friendly and warm in person. He is a stylist who collaborates with his sister living in San Diego. Check out their collaborative blog here!

Elle was hanging out in the middle of the square with friends and my first thought when I saw her was how comfortable she looked! Not only did she look toasty but her style choices were super cool. I'm especially digging the patterns on her sweater and jacket. She is a dancer and you can check out her blog here.

Kara, Christina & Liam - November 4 - Family

2011-11-04T18:30:00.001-04:00

Sisters Kara and Christina met up in the park today to celebrate Liam's first birthday. This little one was adorable and seemed to have fun playing with my business card. Happy Birthday Liam!

Hassan & Kate, Bunny & Kelvin - November 2 - Music Makers

2011-11-02T22:14:00.001-04:00

Hassan (left) and Kate (right) were chatting when I asked to take their picture. These guys were super friendly and make a darn pretty couple, if I do say so myself. Hassan is a musician and singer and you can check out his band, Sunny Ali & The Kid, on Facebook here.

I noticed Kelvin's (right) bowler hat as soon as I walked into the square. Bowler hats hold a warm place in my heart for a few reasons...the movie Clockwork Orange, the painting by Magritte, and my general love of hats. Bunny (left) is a musician and singer and you can check out his Facebook here. Kelvin, a friend from across the pond, is also a musician and singer, and you can hear music by his group, The Absolute Zeros, here.

Damani - November 2 - RAS

2011-11-02T20:28:00.002-04:00

Damani made it easy for me today as he approached me and introduced himself. He saw my camera and wanted to tell me about an artist cohort of which he is a member, called The RAS. Damani showed off his skills by rapping, sans beat, and it was pretty fly. If you'd like to check out The RAS and its artists, you can find their blog here.

The Dog People - November 1 - Ed, Rose & Bjorn

2011-11-01T18:16:00.000-04:00

Ed and his Bernese Mountain Dogs, Rose and Bjorn, had just entered the park for a walk when my friends and I walked past. These beautiful dogs have been photographed before, which isn't too much of a surprise. Ed and I talked about a movie called Rittenhouse Square about its regulars circa 2005. Also, many thanks to Ed for being a good samaritan as he found and returned my friend's wallet that had slipped out of his pocket earlier on the other side of the park. Strange coincidence that Ed found the wallet, no? Oh, how the world works in mysterious and beautiful ways...

PS. New tag in the square:

Jack & Kahle - October 31 - Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T18:42:00.003-04:00

Jack aka Andy Warhol and Kahle aka Pac Man arcade machine, were walking through the square after attending some costume competitions in Center City. Their costumes are my favorites this year, perhaps due to my love for both Andy Warhol and Pac Man. Check out how the Pac Man game lights up! So cool.

Off to hand out candy on my stoop with my roommate. Have a spook-tacular Halloween square people!

TJ - October 28 - Smile

2011-10-28T19:15:00.001-04:00

As a frequenter of the square, I have seen TJ many times before but have never gone up to say hi. Today ended up being the day and we had a lovely chat about the places we have lived and differences between the east and west coast, specifically when it comes to the friendliness of the people. I hope to see him out west soon and in the square even sooner!

Personal goal: Continue to smile at strangers even if they don't smile back.

Brynn & Stuart - October 26 - Timeless

2011-10-26T19:49:00.000-04:00

Brynn was clicking on her phone when I asked to take her picture. Her edgy style rocks but her beautiful face and big eyes make me think of an earlier era of done-up hair and red lipstick. Brynn is an artist and you can check out her drawings and paintings on her Facebook here.

I walked by Stuart today and after seeing his hat, I knew I had to get a closer look. He has created many items of clothing covered in coins and other materials and is a tourist favorite when he wears his outfits on South Street. That hat in particular weighs 5-6 pounds. Stuart may look like a serious guy but I found him extremely friendly and lighthearted, and he told me some incredible stories from his life. Stuart has been a bubble-gum factory worker, a cemetery security man, a stand-up comedian, and a bounty hunter. I was privileged to hear a good number of stories about a life filled with excitement, passion, and creativity.

William, Ernest, Regina & Nette - October 25 - Create

2011-10-26T00:58:00.000-04:00

Today I met a drawing class from the Art Institute of Philadelphia taught by William (far left). Ernest (center left) is a photographer and we chatted about the benefit of practicing other mediums, such as drawing and painting, to improve one's eye. Regina (center right) had drawing skills as well as a kick-ass style that was complemented by her sweet demeanor. Last, but not least, was Nette (far right) and she was using the last sunlight of the day to work on her drawings. Check out that quick sketch she did of me below. This was the first time anyone has ever drawn and I have to admit how flattered I am. Thanks Nette!

Matthew - October 24 - Wild Card

2011-10-24T22:56:00.000-04:00

Matthew aka S.I.R. started chatting with me and our mutual friend Chinedu. We got on the topic of this blog and I ended up taking his picture after loving his outfit...graphics and bold colors always get me. I gave him my business card and Matthew liked it so much that it got a spot in his beautiful, leather wallet, something which is apparently difficult to achieve. Check out this M.C., aspiring director, and jack-of-all-trades on twitter @excuse_me_sir.

The Dog People - October 24 - Bev & Toto

2011-10-24T21:33:00.001-04:00

I saw Bev and Freelance Elvis, The King aka Toto immediately upon entering the square today. Bev is Canadian with a calmness that puts you at ease. A Rittenhouse regular, she just celebrated Toto's eleventh birthday. Bev's father enjoys seeing pictures of her and this beautiful Pomeranian, so I'd like to give a shout out to him. I hope you enjoy the pictures, sir! :)

Emily - October 23 - Adaptable

2011-10-24T01:17:00.001-04:00

Emily rolled up when I was talking to Matthew and ended up sharing another cool invention that her friend in LA sells: The Stowboard. It's a skateboard with a low center of gravity, larger wheels, and, best of all, the ability to fold up for stowing purposes. Pretty cool! While Emily markets the Stowboard by riding, she can also help you with marketing purposes of your own as she is an animator, illustrator, and web designer. Check her out at Feathered Hat Studios for all of your online, artistic needs.

The Dog People - October 23 - Matthew & Bodhi, Mike & Mikee

2011-10-23T22:55:00.001-04:00

Matthew (left) with his dog Bodhi was visiting with Mike (right) and his dog Mikee today in the square. Mikee was getting a lot of attention because, as you can see, this beautiful Great Dane is ginormous. Bodhi was also attracting many visitors due to his dog jacket with built-in speakers that were connected to an iPod, called The Woofer. Matthew created this awesome device so you can rock out with your dog while taking a walk. I love the idea and think it's a great way to get people unplugged and enjoying music together...and with their dogs!

Jared, Gibby & Sage - October 23 - Lazy Sunday

2011-10-23T20:21:00.002-04:00

Jared (left) was hanging out in the square today with some friends, including Danielle (right). This group had great style all around but Jared was especially on point, from his bike to those pins on his backpack to that knit beanie. This cool dude is a graphic designer and you can check out some of his work on his Facebook here.

Gibby (left) and Sage (right) were enjoying the afternoon on the bench next to Jared's and also made for lovely models, despite how weird it is when a stranger randomly asks to take your picture. I soon saw how beautiful Sage's eyes are...do they make anyone else want to dive in and take a swim?

Mirele & Ed - October 20 - Time & Place

2011-10-20T15:07:00.000-04:00

Mirele and I had a lovely conversation today about many things, from our Jewish backgrounds to our love of high heels. This beautiful lady has a wonderful style and that Tiffany's blue jacket grabbed my attention immediately. The pin on her jacket has been passed down through the generations of Mirele's family and it represents Hadassah, an American Jewish volunteer women's organization.

Ed was sitting with his Japanese flute made out of a bamboo branch. We discussed the state of Polaroid film these days and then I let him enjoy his musical afternoon.

Marion, Michael & Chris - October 18 - Pros

2011-10-18T17:03:00.003-04:00

Recognize that pretty lady? My friend Marion (right) was back in Philly with her homie Michael (left) and we had a great day walking around the Rittenhouse area. Per usual, her style is on point and this time I got to highlight a few of her tattoos. Special thanks to Michael for accompanying us on our thrift store shopping spree.

Chris was looking fresh today in his fall, work attire. I wish work clothes always looked this fly! He asked for a business card, but all I had to offer was my wedding photography card. When I arrived home today, I was met by the FedEx woman with a delivery...the new blog business card! Check out the design below. You might even be on there!

Jacob, Mike & Francis - October 17 - Monday Funday

2011-10-17T15:58:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful day in Philly! I saw Mike (left) and Jacob (right) today after walking around the square and thought this duo was wonderful. Mike's style is sharp and Jacob was as sweet that chocolate treat he was munching on. Mike is Jacob's babysitter, but gave me his word that Jacob's parents are cool and wouldn't mind me snapping a few pictures.

Francis was doing his thing but I had to ask to take his picture because his style is awesome: that jacket and those silver Chucks with green socks...so good.

PS. On my way to the square a ladybug landed on my sunglasses so I knew today would be lovely. Check out those blue skies!

The Dog People - October 14 - Sarah, Josephine & Henry

2011-10-15T01:12:00.002-04:00

This morning in the square, I stopped Sarah because of her cool style and also because her dogs, Josephine and Henry, were the cutest. Sarah is an artist who works with fibers and creates multimedia pieces. There's something about that pug mug that always gets me...

Lilo & Pasco - October 13 - Fly

2011-10-13T16:49:00.002-04:00

Today in the square, Lilo looked warm in that sweet hat. It made me think of Ludo, the "Gentle Giant" goblin, from the childhood classic, The Labyrinth. Her baseball jacket and Keds were just as cute as this little lady, who had fun posing and jumping around.

Pasco, aka Pasco the FireBird, started playing his guitar next to me today, but his real forté is singing. You can check him out playing here around the 4:00 mark. He will be singing at Penn's Landing on Saturday at noon for the Mid-Autumn Chinese Festival with the band Larger Than Life. Go check it out!

Sam & Emily - October 12 - Colors

2011-10-12T18:01:00.014-04:00

I went to the square this overcast afternoon and saw a pop of color sitting on the wall. It ended up being Sam in his fly jacket, chilling out and listening to music. Big fan of the Vans slip-ons as well...

Maybe it's the grey weather but color was a driving force for me today, as Emily's bike was the next thing that caught my eye. This pretty lady is a potter and you can check out her work here.

Look around and notice the colors of the changing leaves, my fellow east coasters! This is the one thing about east coast weather that I absolutely love.

The Dog People - October 11 - Bunny & Bonnie

2011-10-11T18:04:00.004-04:00

I met the lovely Bunny today with her dog Bonnie as she was walking through the square. I usually don't stop people that are walking through, but the duo was too cute to pass up. The conversation I had with Bunny was one of the most inspiring I've had in the history of this blog. This fiery lady was an active champion of Vietnam veterans' rights in 1960s, contacting all of the US senators to get the soldiers she cared for the medical treatment and pay that they deserved. Despite her current battle with various levels of bureaucratic red-tape, Bunny refuses to be taken advantage of and is one sharp and fierce woman. Good luck Bunny! I can only hope to be as passionate and fit at 88 years old...

Josh & Ali - October 11 - Chronic

2011-10-11T17:45:00.005-04:00

Josh (left, doing some crazy shit with his arm) was rocking that fly Dr. Dre shirt and, being a fan of the Doctor myself, I knew I had to take a picture of this guy. On closer inspection, his ill style was apparent, from the beetle gauges to his tattoos. Ali was coincidentally rocking those sweet earrings and I was digging everything, from her tights to that hair color. Word.

Michelle, Whitney, Alysson, Ashley, Jennifer & Charmain - October 10 - Holiday

2011-10-10T15:40:00.005-04:00

Alysson (far left), Ashley (left center), Whitney (right center), and Michelle (far right) were taking advantage of the holiday with a picnic in the square. Grad students at Drexel in the Entertainment and Arts Management program, these pretty ladies made a great crew. Their easy style combined summer and fall clothes, perfectly reflecting this mild, fall day in Philly.

Both Jennifer (left) and Charmain (right) hail from Jamaica and were enjoying their Columbus Day by people watching in the square. Their warm smiles make me happy.

Alex, Samantha & James - October 9 - Play

2011-10-09T20:23:00.009-04:00

Despite being some of the most amusing and delightful frequenters of the square, little kids are not often my subjects due to the complicated nature of parental permission, visual exploitation on the internet, lack of explicit permission by the subject, etc. Luckily Alex's dad was totally fine with me taking pictures of his son today because, as you can see, Alex was too beautiful not to capture in action. Loving that hat too...

Samantha and James are Mr. & Mrs. Magoo's Traveling Trash Puppet Circus. Their theater and puppets are made from recycled material and found objects. Contact them at BujeeMagoo@gmail.com to book them for a lesson or for your next shindig! They can face paint, juggle, stilt walk, and hula hoop...I truly believe face painting makes a good party great.

Words of purpose: "We love to spread joy, beauty and happiness!"

Dan, Mae & Matt - October 9 - Shag Swag

2011-10-09T19:02:00.009-04:00

Dan (left), Mae (center), and Matt (right) were chilling in the square today, eating and watching the capoeira circle near the security booth. Mae is a hair stylist, which isn't too surprising after seeing her fly shag, and you can contact her at mae.tatar@gmail.com for your hair needs. Matt is a custom carpenter and you can check out his work here.

Katrina, Dave & Karl - October 4 - Fresh

2011-10-04T15:33:00.010-04:00

Katrina was enjoying the brisk, fall morning in the square when I stopped to say hello. She appreciated my photographic endeavors as her son is a photographer in Los Angeles, where she plans to move next year.

Dave (above) and Karl were working the Beechwood Orchards stand on the Walnut St. sidewalk of the square. You can also find a stand on UPenn's campus at Walnut St. and 36th St. on Tuesdays. All that gorgeous produce brightened my morning and made me crave that first, glorious bite into a juicy apple.

William - October 3 - Love

2011-10-03T21:47:00.003-04:00

William was sitting in Rittenhouse today and asked me a favor as I walked by: to buy him a cup of coffee. He explained that he is homeless and has no money for food or shelter. When someone asks for food versus cash, I often oblige as they cannot use it to buy drugs or alcohol. I ended up talking to William for over an hour at Barnes & Noble as he articulately told me stories of a childhood in and out of foster homes in North Philly, his introduction to alcohol at age 13, hustling for money, being stabbed, suicide attempts, joining the military and serving in Kuwait. Despite being bi-polar and sipping on an alcoholic drink in his soda cup, William had an amazing mind for details and kept emphasizing his need to tell his story.

One theme that continued to come up was love and how all he understands is hate and ignorance. I tried to explain my belief of internal and external love but found it came short as one conversation with one, privileged, white girl seemed utterly insignificant compared to decades of reinforced hate in William's life. I hope he finds the help he needs and encourage everyone to respond to the homeless in their area with kindness. For more ways to help, click here. I am so grateful to be able to pass William's story along, facilitated by a camera and a computer, in an apartment with food I can eat and a bed in which I can sleep.

The Parrot People - September 29 - Anthony & Lulu

2011-09-29T21:53:00.005-04:00

When I saw Anthony and Lulu in the square today, I knew I had to take their pictures. I have seen them both in the area before, as a parrot is one of the more conspicuous pets in a big city. Lulu is a "mut" of the Macaw species. Anthony described parrots as being higher maintenance than cats but less than dogs. I can easily say Lulu is one of the most beautiful birds I have ever seen.

Erin - September 28 - Read

2011-09-28T15:22:00.003-04:00

I spotted Erin from behind and had an inkling she'd be a great subject because I liked her style. A fellow photographer, Erin was enjoying her afternoon by reading Junkie by William S. Burroughs. We commiserated about the various pros and cons of shooting weddings and we ended up having a really lovely conversation. I love the how these pictures came out because the colors of her outfit complement the fall leaves sprinkled around her bench.

Brian & Drew - September 27 - Jam

2011-09-27T20:41:00.003-04:00

I was catching up with my square friends Kevin (far right), Raven, and Chinedu (far left), faces you might recognize from earlier posts, when Brian (right front) came up to us and started ripping on his guitar. Then, Drew (second from left) came over and asked if he knew how to play any hip-hop, inspiring a jam session. Drew and Chinedu rapped while Brian played, inspiring some great lyrics and photos to boot. Drew has a mixtape coming out soon under the name Dr. Ew and you can check him out on Facebook here.

Krishna-kripa Das & Steven - September 27 - Connect

2011-09-27T16:05:00.012-04:00

As I entered the square from the Walnut and 18th Street entrance, I was greeted by the soothing sounds of music and chanting. After catching up with some square regulars, I returned to meet Krishna-kripa Das (right) and Steven (left). They are Hare Krishnas and follow a spiritual practice based on traditional Hindu scriptures. As I develop an understanding of my own spirituality, I have found practices of the Hare Krishna, such as meditation and yoga, extremely worthwhile. While it's not for everyone, I think the emphasis on connectivity, recognition of personal and worldly beauty, and peace is universally important. For more information click here and if you would like to follow the travels of Krishna-kripa Das, you can find his blog here.

Paul - September 26 - Relax

2011-09-26T19:42:00.004-04:00

Paul's snazzy outfit caught my eye and when he started lighting his cigar, I knew I had to ask to shoot him. In his first year of retirement, Paul used to travel the world for the foreign service. Among the many places he has been, he said Prague and Berlin were the most captivating. Paul is getting used to the relaxing life of retirement, but I must say his style is still going to work, Alexander McQueen bowling shoes and all.

Beth & Kendal - September 25 - Liminal

2011-09-25T21:38:00.008-04:00

After my heavy conversation earlier in the day, Beth & Kendal were exactly the people I needed to come my way. Hailing from Montreal, this traveling troupe puts on Mamee's Cheap Eats puppet show wherever they go. Their beautiful puppets are a combination of original art and photo collage. Magical!

The Dog People - Phoebe & Maya - Poodles

2011-09-25T21:01:00.006-04:00

While Phoebe & Maya's owner did not want his picture taken, he did end up engaging me in an extremely challenging conversation about my life goals, career and passions. It surpassed my usual ruminations and general headiness and moved into existential crisis zone. Among many things, it made me realize how much I need feedback about my art. One of the biggest adjustments to being out of college and producing work is the general lack of response, positive and negative, by other people. So if I may, I am calling on YOU out there in cyberspace! For those who have responded to my work, you rock. If you have any sort of reaction to a picture or story here, comment and tell your friends! Let's start a dialogue and revel in the diversity and beauty of the square people. :)

Chinedu & Italy - September 23 - Move

2011-09-23T19:55:00.011-04:00

Today's rain made the square a less popular place to hang out but luckily I ran into my friend Chinedu, looking rather fly. I met him one day this summer while chatting and shooting for an earlier blog post. Out of the square regulars, I've run into Chinedu the most frequently and he is always down for a hug and a chat. He just moved to north Philly and is busy making his place home.

PS. I was MIA this week because I was on vacation in Italy, in Puglia near Mesagne and in Milan. Here are some of the beautiful things I saw. Enjoy!