Datev and Kevin (#741) 12-26-14
At an outdoor table, Datev was concentrating on the Mac laptop. Actually, she was editing video. When I asked her name, I had to re-ask a few times until she spelled it for me. It isn't so difficult, just unusual. Here. It is a common name in Armenia, used for both sexes. When I heard that her male friend was Kevin, I breathed an audible sigh of relief. All laughed.
Datev is from Florida and studied Film at Florida State University. Kevin graduated from The University of Nevada Reno. Both are videographers. Datev has a youtube channel that is monetized. I just don't know how you make money at this, it's a generational thing. See her channel HERE. Anyway, it is refreshing to know that there are a lot of ways to make a buck in this world.
Bob
Lance (#740) 12-24-14
As a follow up to yesterday's post, #739, Lance came over to me and asked for a handout. Over the past three years, I have noticed a dramatic difference in the attitude of panhandlers. They have become much more brazen and assertive. So as usual, I “made a deal” with Lance and got a stranger conversation and portrait out of it.
Lance just got out of prison. Three years worth. He had gotten into a fight in the local Salvation facility. Three years is a lot for a fight, I suspect that this was not the first offense.
“A six foot six guy was mistreating a woman. I'd do it again.”
I said, “Six foot six?”
“Yeah. I had seven years of martial arts fighting. I can use my legs, I knocked out a few teeth.”
Now Lance cannot go to the Salvation Army or Resurrection house. As soon as they run his ID, the felony shows up and he is denied. Lance said that he spent three years in a very difficult place, and spent a lot of time reading the Bible. He wants people to know that he is clean, no booze or drugs.
Bob
Chrysta (#739) 12-23-14
Chrysta was sitting by herself outside of the coffee shop. I was glad I asked the spelling. I don't know how many ways there are to spell what sounds like Chrysta, but I never wold have guessed this one. She lives in Bradenton, ten miles north, but works in Sarasota. In fact she works less than a block away at Micheal’s on Main, a gallery and boutique. She was waiting for her boss.
After photographing Chrysta, I sat at a nearby table. A young man approached her, and from the body language I surmised that he was panhandling. After a few moments, she got up and went inside. Then he came over to me, which will be the next stranger story.
Later, I passed Chrysta inside the shop. I asked if the man had 'chased' her inside. She gave a weak smile and nodded yes. The local merchants have hired a security guard to patrol the block and prevent these things from happening. No good answer.
Bob
Dave and Samantha (#738) 12-22-14
Dave wore a shirt that Said “Germantown.” I asked if that was in Pennsylvania and he said, “I don't know, I got this from my brother, in Tennessee.” It seems like everyone wears a shirt that says something.
Dave and Samantha are from Pittsburgh and are visiting his parents in Sarasota. For two days. When we spoke it was overcast, but it was sunny in Pittsburgh. You can't win. But still, they were able to walk on the beach, and were grateful for that.
I asked, what should people reading this know about you? Dave said, “I don't know. I guess that we like to get away for any length of time, no matter how short.”
Bob
Brittany (#737) 12-20-14
I meet so many strangers outside of a coffee shop, Pastry Art, that it is appropriate to occasionally photograph employees. This is one of my few indoor shots at ISO 800.
As I placed my order, Brittany said, “Nice camera!”, my lead in. I replied, “Thanks. Guess what I like to photograph?”, and away we went. She was a bit reluctant, but caved in when she saw my Photostream on the phone. I had not seen her before. Probably because she has only worked there for a month, and then only on weekends. She said that her main job is as a hairstylist.
“Hairstylist? But you are hiding your hair under a wool cap!”
“Bad hair day.”
“Hairstylists shouldn't have bad hair days.”
Shrug, with palms up.
Bob
Daniel (#736) 12-19-14
I had a coffee 'date' with Eric, stranger #457. See him HERE. I arrived first, on a beautiful Sunday for outdoor dining. While waiting, I saw Daniel at a nearby table and decided to 'get some work' done prior to meeting Eric.
Daniel is 17, and a student at Suncoast Polytechnic High School in Sarasota. I am embarrassed to admit that I had not heard of it. Suncoast is a magnet school, with a majority of students taking advanced placement courses. Daniel also takes courses at State College of Florida. He hopes to attend nearby New College, on a career path to naturopathy.
Daniel is well read and thinks deeply about environmental, biologic, and political affairs. He is not shy about expressing his opinions. When Eric arrived, the three of us had a lively discussion. I said to Daniel, “I'll bet that you are near the top of your class.” He gave a small smile and shrugged, “I'm in the top 25%.” Yeah, that means that he's in the top 75% too, but I doubt that adequately describes his standing.
He was interested in the project, and we quickly became Facebook friends. Not surprisingly, I am too old to understand the cultural context of most of his posts. But he did use one of my images as his avatar, which always gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling.
As an aside, I got to play with Eric's Leica, a first for me.
Bob
Ha (#735) 12-18-14
Ha is a local artist, originally from Viet Nam. When she first came to the U.S., her family moved to Michigan in a September. She was surprised at how cool the weather was. In a few months, Ha learned what cold really means. Sarasota is nice. Her father is now a Snowbird, spending his winters in Florida.
I first saw her drinking coffee with Justin, stranger #436. See him HERE. I approached Justin and reminded him about the encounter. He smiled, and immediately remembered, pointing to the table at which he was sitting. I asked him, would you introduce me to your friend? So I met Ha. I showed her Justin's image on my phone and she was immediately very interested. I remarked that she had no accent. Justin smiled and said, “Well, sometimes...”, “Like when she's mad?” I said. More smiling, “Maybe...”
She pulled out her phone and showed me some very nice B&Ws. One was a sunset with a thin line of clouds immediately above the horizon. I liked the hi contrast effect to emphasize structure. Most people would keep it color and pump up saturation, being mesmerized by the pinks. But most impressive (to me) was that she takes, and processes, the images with the phone. No computer needed! She does multiple kinds of art, including pencil drawing and painting. Her goal is to photograph her art and showcase on social media platforms to promote sales. Ha does not have her own website yet, but some of her work can be seen on Tumblr, HERE. There's a lot of talent in this world, you just never know where you'll find it.
I asked if she worked with Justin. “Oh no, we're just friends. We used to do a little music together. Justin plays the guitar and I dabble with a violin.” I admit that in 66 years, I have not heard the words 'violin' and 'dabble' in the same sentence.
Bob
Zack (#734) 17-12-14
As I walked on Main St., I heard Zack's voice before I saw him. He was sitting in a doorway, and I immediately remembered why I pursue strangers to photograph only in public places, during broad daylight. I knew what was coming; Zack asked for financial for lunch, as he had recently gotten out of prison. I always have a few dollars in one pocket that can be accessed without pulling out my wallet. And as I always do in these situations, I offered a deal and told him about the 100 Strangers project. Zack immediately agreed to be photographed and I handed him the few dollars before further dialog or photography. I feel that this builds a degree of trust, and opens the door for more meaningful conversation.
Zack spent four years in prison, in Ft. Myers. He was released three months ago. Upon release, he was offered a bus ticket to anywhere in the continental United States. Zack chose a town in Oregon, as that is where his mother lives. There was a layover is Sarasota where he had “three hours to kill”, (bad choice of words). He got into a fight in the bus station and was not allowed to continue the trip. So he has been homeless here, and has since gotten into over 20 fights. He explained why, using extensive profanity and racially incorrect language. Small wonder that he spends his time fighting. It sounds like a sad dead end.
Bob
Nikki (#733) 12-16-14
I saw Nikki buying fruits and veggies at an outdoor market. She was very discerning, carefully inspecting each item. I cannot say exactly what caught my eye, it just seemed to be her 'presence.' When I approached her and explained the project, she was reticent. When Nikki saw my Flickr Photostream on the phone, she was converted.
Nikki was born and raised in Sarasota, graduating from Sarasota High School. She relocated to California for a while, but found the pace too fast. She prefers the laid back west coast of Florida, but the pace has increased here a bit too. She lives by University Blvd., which has sprouted a new, huge, upscale mall. It has changed everything. Concrete Hell is creeping in.
Bob
Timmy (#732) 15-12-14
I saw Timmy from a distance at my favorite Farmer's Market. Gee, I wonder what caught my eye... The sun was high in the sky, and there was no way to photograph him where he was. When I introduced myself, and the project, he immediately “got it” and was cooperative. He gladly moved ~20 yards, into shade. The reason he “got it” is that he is an artist, and understands projects and anxiety.
Timmy had just moved to Sarasota from Sedona AZ, 1 ½ weeks previously. Already he misses Arizona, but his ex wife is in Sarasota and he wants to be close to his son.
Now, the art; Timmy paints. He paints abstract subjects on wood, up to five feet square. He liked the image, and asked for the digital file. I sent it today, and also asked for his website. I cannot find it on Google – unusual. I did find his Instagram account.
Bob
Mimi (#731) 12-14-14
Mimi caught my eye, well, her hat did first. And I told her so. I think that she was flattered, and happy to be photographed.
Originally from Chicago, she is now a full time Sarasota resident. Recently, I've met several strangers who have relocated from Chicago. Hmmm... About the move, she said “Yes, I'm no fool.”
Mimi assembles jewelry and sells it at local shows. She has no store of her own, but her pieces are displayed in several local shops.
Bob
Ellie (#730) 12-13-14
Ellie had no problem with being photographed. In fact, she LOVES being photographed. She is from Chicago, and moved here five years ago to be near her aging parents. Ellie is an artsy craftsy type. She likes gardening, pottery, painting, etc.
She immediately gave this sort of sultry look. She like the images, but complained about the wrinkles – she was smiling, not really upset. I told her that God made Photoshop for that purpose. Of course I didn't say that I would USE it for that purpose. :-)
Bob
Beverly (#729) 12-12-14
Beverly was walking fairly quickly with a shopping bag in her arms. I was glad that she stopped when I approached her, I halfway expected her to be too much in a rush. I took it a few seconds to warm up to being photographed, but finally she said,”Let me put this bag in the car first.” I assured her that it was not necessary, but she was already crossing the street with the car trunk automatically opening.
She did come back (whew!). Beverly is originally from Columbus Ohio, but has been in this area for 35 years. She was shopping while her future Daughter-in-Law got her hair done at a nearby beauty salon. I congratulated her on the upcoming wedding.
Beverly liked the image, but had no interest in getting a copy. Many viewers will criticize this for the hair over the eyes. I like the spontaneity, and authenticity that it implies.
Bob
Talmadge #728 (12-11-14)
I asked if Talmadge was a family name. “No. it's a Hippy name. Both of my parents were Hippys. He said that he liked having his picture taken. My kind of guy!
He graduated from Venice High School, a cool 40 years after me. But prior to that, he attended Booker High School, which is very strong in visual and performing arts. When I asked where he worked, Talmadge said that I might be surprised to know that there is a Buddhist temple in Sarasota. I said that HE might be surprised that I know about it, and have attended meditation sessions.
Talmadge works there as the cook. He asked if I had eaten lunch after a meditation session. I said yes, in a noncommittal (I hope) way. I am not into spicy foods, and I learned more than I wanted to know about Indian food. The meal looked like a thin stew, but it burned a column straight from my mouth to my you-know-what. I'm sure that it's Asian fare that disagrees with me, not his culinary skills.
Bob
Emery (#727) 11-12-14
I met Emery on a Sunday morning, he was wearing a badge that said "First Baptist Church." I asked a question.
"No, I'm not a minister, just a believer."
Bob
Patrick and Katie (#726) 12-10-14
Patrick and Katie work at the renown Asolo Theater in Sarasota. Katie is an actress, and Patrick is a stage manager. “We've got it covered!” They came from New York, 52nd Street in Manhattan to be exact. They moved to Sarasota five years ago to work at the Asolo.
I two days Patrick and Katie will visit the brand new Performing Arts Center in Venice to view a new production. This center was built by the Venice High School in collaboration with the city and county. It is an unusual cooperation between government structures, and is less than a mile from my house. Maybe I'll see Patrick and Katie there sometime.
Bob
Heather (#725) 12-09-14
A small outdoor art show drew a medium crowd. There were numerous possibilities. The lady who most attracted me was in a wheelchair, being pushed by a much younger man, and accompanied by a younger woman. I trailed along and waited until they entered an area of acceptable light.
As soon as I began speaking and the man stopped, I got down on a knee to speak at her level. Her name is Heather, but it sounded more like Heatha, as she is a native Brit. Delightful accent. Many years ago she relocated to Windsor, Ontario. “It's directly across from Detroit”, she informed me. She is currently in Sarasota visiting her cousins, the young couple with her.
Heatha approved of the images, but had no interest in getting a copy. “My cousins are constantly taking pictures of me with their cell phones.”
Bob
Chance and Scribbles (#724) 12-08-14
Chance was playing the banjo with Scribbles sitting at his side. Their dog, Muddy, looked the part and I kept my distance. They are from New York, but have spent most of their lives in Rhode Island. They have lived all over, but would like to settle in southwest Florida; they will probably look for work in St. Petersburg. Chance has a college degree and can substitute teach if necessary. But they would rather entertain in restaurants. They have a van that substitutes as a bedroom, when necessary. Besides Chance's banjo, Scribbles plays the Uke.
Chance
Scribbles
