con·text / BEHIND THE STORIES
Los Angeles River
I have traveled up and down the river by foot and bike, from start to finish and have gotten to know some of the people that inhabit and seek refuge and thrive there. These are some images I've taken along the way.
Pam's Story
Pam, my wife and mother of our twin daughters, Danielle and Dale (Megan), was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 60.
I began documenting our family's life, dealing with our emotions, coping with Pam's treatment, and eventual transition. A great happiness was had during the process, as Pam was able to meet and spend time with her first grandchild, Marky, before she died.
Haiti
In 1980-86 I had the privilege of working with Raymond (Ray) Joseph and his Haitian newspaper The Haiti Observateur. I was one of many operatives documenting and bringing back information on Baby Doc and Haitian life during the authoritarian years of Jean-Claude Duvalier.
Lost In Venice
I live on the westside. Walking through the Venice boardwalk, I meet people with fascinating stories to tell and I help tell their stories with my photography. From the highest highs to the lowest low, we are all trying to live and leave our mark on this world.
Venice Music
Expanding on Lost In Venice, I've included the heart and soul of Venice, music. The ceremony of the drum circle is the heartbeat, the energy of singing and dancing its soul.
Venice Tattoo
Again, expanding on the story of Venice, Tattoo highlights the talents and visual expressions of the people of Venice.
3rd St. Promenade
The promenade in Santa Monica is a platform for capturing brilliant artists and performers as well as protesters and the occasional dissident, all with stories to tell.
Tara & Red
Two people experiencing trauma, codependency, addiction, abuse, and loneliness disguised as love, living life.
Gangs
Cliques, Gangs and Social Clubs
Images of a peaceful protest (riot) with a social club (KKK), a peak at everyday life and diversity of the many L.A. cliques, as well as the true gangs of Los Angeles, the LAPD.
Bowery New York
When I returned from the Vietnam War, I was lost. I decided to catch a bus to New York City leaving my home in Tucson for good. When I arrived I was homeless, sleeping on a bench across from Columbia University. The same place my daughter would graduate from 30 years later.
These photos are of the people of The Bowery.
Art
Pen, and paper help to express what I'm feeling when words cannot.