"Johnny"

I might Johnny while strolling downtown Grand Rapids.He was watching the construction workers at the Varnum Building add another section...He told me he's watched that building go up from day one, as well as two of the other biggest buildings in Grand Rapids. Unknowing as to how long ago they were built, he added that he was "much too old".He Went on to say he was 74 years old, and has lived in Grand Rapids most his life.

He then began to tell me how even though he was a paratrooper in Vietnam, for over 8 years, that no matter how much they paid him, he wouldn't work on anything higher than the first story.Kept repeating jollily "much too high for me".

We talked a a few minutes longer, and then he said he had to be on his way home, a little ways down town. He agreed to a portrait, and I told him I'd come visit again. We shook hands and parted ways, him with a child-like smile...

Sadly, as I walked back to my car, passing where I met him...He was back at his bench, staring off into the sky, at home.

Canon AE-1 l f/2.8 l 1/250 l Fuji Superia l ISO 400

Revelation

While reading over what I had just wrote in my personal journal, I was surprised to find I had this in my mind...

"Maybe it's why I'm determined to show the world these people in downtown Grand Rapids. I'm changing my mind about the book. I shouldn't call them needy or homeless. I should call them survivors, freedom fighters, the living. Working a 9-5 in a cubicle to make ends meat, and enjoy the few pieces of material items we have is hardly living. No, I'm starting to think to live is to do what we have to, to survive. Let's get back to basics people...Before money, before greed...



You know what I love about these people that I've met making my book?What can you do to a man that wants nothing,and has nothing?"

Losing Time

I wish I had more time to get out to Grand Rapids...It's been a busy couple of weeks, sorry for the lack of an update.If I mean to finish this book,I really need to get out there...Here's some shots that will possibly go in the book, what do you think?







Not sure how I feel about these...But maybe theres something to them.

"Dwight"

Walking across the bridge from Gerald R. Ford Museum, I ran into Dwight. We made eye contact, and with a nod and hello, we started talking. Reluctant to let me photograph and interview him, he set politely said he had to be on his way to the food kitchen. I respected his wish, and of course was bummed out. After a few steps, he turned to me and said "well, you can interview me on the walk?".

As we walked around, I must have watched him ask between 10 and 15 people for a cigarette. I was disgusted to see how these people reacted...A few polite people said "no,sorry", while the majority acted like they couldn't hear him. One man, he asked at least 6 times, each time taking a few steps closer, because the man wouldn't even aknowledge him...Finally, the man turned to him, disgusted, and told him "no,back off!".

We spoke of how he's 67,lost his job, his wife, and his kids, and that life just hasn't been great to him.I asked what he does with his time now days, to which he replied...

"Get food at the kitchen, beg for cigarettes, look for a place to sleep...'Bout the only thing I can do..."

It really sickened me today to walk with him...To see what he see's, to see how people react to him asking for something, to see their faces of disgust. It's kind of the cruel reality of life, being spat in your face...

"Allistair"

Most people wouldn't think twice about the life of a man who plays guitar on the streets for a living. Most, though he's playing music, wouldn't even notice he's there. That's why I was surprised to find out he's one of the happiest, and luckiest people I've ever met. He's beyond the material, beyond the fame and glory, and enjoys life for what it is.It's encouraging to know that some people live their dreams and aren't turned into robots, working a dead end job just to make enough to pay the bills...It's amazing how much more beautiful life is, with simplicity.

"Some days, I only walk away with a few quarters, maybe a dollar, but at least I can hone my guitar skills."

"Mike"

This is the first portrait in my series.



I met Mike while sitting on a bench Monroe Street. He sat down to enjoy his free hot dog from the lady down the street, and I started a conversation with him...

Mike is a man 49 years of age, living on the streets of down town Grand Rapids...Currently jobless, attempting to receive unemployment/disability pay. Attacked and mugged a few streets down, he now suffers from trauma induced seizures. Even worse, he was mugged for two dollars. We spoke for hours, discussing the kind of jobs he's held over the years, the loss of his parents, and how he just keeps on keeping on, volunteering at a church, and walking 10 miles a day to see his brother, who was impaired after a car accident.

It's really amazing what some people go through in their lives...And when I sit down and think about the things I've seen all day, and the stories I've heard...

My problems really seem quite petty...

First Steps

Pleased to report, I have officially started my book. I went and interviewed two of my good friends, who's opinions I greatly respect. The questions were regarding the state of downtown Grand Rapids, if the city is doing enough to support the needy, what needs to be done, things of that nature.

I'm going to be interviewing people in downtown Grand Rapids, from one side of the wealth spectrum to the other. The point being to add contrast, and bring out the truth, of how both sides feel about each other. I think for most people it's easier to just walk by and not think about it...

I would hope to find that people are better than I suspect, and I'm not around enough to see acts of kindness to the needy. In the world today, it seems we've lost the will to help anyone but ourselves...In presenting these truths, I hope to inspire others to join the fight, and embrace, not ignore the people who need help.

The Begining

After hour's of thinking, viewing, watching, I have decided to make a book. A book in a photo-journalistic style, covering the "less fortunate" of Grand Rapids, Mi.A portion of the proceeds from the selling of this book, will be donated to charities most likely in the Grand Rapids area.

This blog, will be dedicated to my trips to Grand Rapids, thoughts, ideas, and sneak-peaks of the book. I hope to capture, and bring to light the faces and stories of the people who are looked on as "parasites" in the city of Grand Rapids, and show they are people too, with lives, stories, and troubles, just like you.