Craftsmanship
During a summer in New York City, I was drawn to the world of local craftsmanship that is artistic. I wanted to delve into the world of their fascinating yet often underappreciated craft. Not only did I want to shed light on the back workings of stores but I also wanted to get to know the lives of people who are experts in a very specific but niche craft.
Julia's Handmade Caps
Julia has to compete with the mass-produced hats made by retail stores. She creates absolutely beautiful pieces and special artisanals made with flowering plants and soil. Although she has a fantastic passion for millinery and brilliant hats, it is not much use unless a customer comes in and puts in an order.
Lucas' Love for Tailoring
Lukas was originally a photography major at NYU, but it started to tire him. In high school he used to make t-shirts out of punk magazines to sell to kids and make money. Thus, his love for tailoring came naturally. Lukas explains “If you pretty much ask anyone who works with their hands, the most satisfying thing is watching you take somewhat raw materials and turn it into something with dimension."
Lonely People
In the series of photos, “one” was the main concept. I focused on a single subject, alone or isolated from the rest of the world. I find these types of photos and places intriguing and am drawn to the “lonely people.” In the 1st photo, the man seems to be in his own world reading early in the morning. In the 2nd image of the lone man praying in the city, the man seems completely isolated from the busy and noisy city in the photo. In the 3rd photo, I found my grandfather suffering dementia in his old apartment in China. He is alone in the afternoon constantly checking on the power outlet. In the 4th photo, I captured a girl sitting in a van late at night selling fruits. A small light over her perfect lighting in the pitch black of night. The halo of light seemed to isolate this girl from the rest of the night. In the last photo, I saw a janitor working late at night in a jewelry store by himself. The plastic cover on the window, counter, and furniture leaves him a ghost shadow.
