New Book - East Village and Lower East Side in the 1980s
When I launched this book back at the end of August, I had no idea it was going to turn into a full-time job, but I am beyond gratified that it pretty much is. Orders poured in, and I sold out in six weeks. I've been shipping them out as fast as I can, and more books are on their way from the printer, and I should have a good supply through the holidays. Order book here
People have been telling me how much they enjoy the book and their journey down memory lane to their time in the East Village and Lower East Side in the 1980s. It's been very gratifying knowing that these photos can bring a little bit of joy and distraction in these crazy times we're living in.
As tempting as it is to think about going back and living in those times, I wouldn't mind spending a few days back there. I think I'd appreciate it more. There's a tendency to take things for granted when you're just living your life, not knowing that it's going to be a special time and place that you'll look back on fondly.
I remember so many of the good friends I loved and got to spend time with, but there were so many other faces and people I wish I could remember better. I do think it was good fortune that I took photos, even though I wasn't aware that I was recording a little bit of history in doing so. I wish I had taken more, but I'm grateful for what I did capture.
I've gotten the word out about the book through a few interviews and my newsletter, but mostly through my social media posts. I started posting short little videos that I narrate about the photos as I pan over them. People seem to have really responded, as I think it goes a little deeper into the photos, why I took them, and who the people were. And I think people just like stories. In any case, they've kind of exploded my Instagram account and really helped promote the book. You can see them here.
Here's an interview I did with EV Grieve a few weeks ago. He's been so supportive of my work throughout the years, and I was really grateful that he gave me the opportunity to talk about the book and the photos.
I have an upcoming talk and presentation I'm doing for the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation (GVSHP), an amazing organization that acquired some of my images earlier this year. They do amazing work preserving and bringing attention to the issues facing my hometown of Greenwich Village and the East Village. More info here
A few weeks ago, I did an interview for a podcast. It has yet to be released, but the host asked me about the photos I took of some of the homeless kids, punks, and some of the sketchy areas I photographed in Alphabet City. He said I must've been very confident to take those photos. Well, I wasn't. I was a 20-something-year-old with a camera and not very sure of myself. But my answer was that, in spite of my fear and trepidation, my desire to take the photo was greater. This was a revelation to me that I had never put into words before, but I think that speaks to the power and creative force behind whatever artistic endeavors anybody might be partaking in. We can overcome a lot of things in our desire to do our work.
I should have the books shortly and hope to begin shipping them by the second week of November.
I'm setting up some plans and talks to do in person in New York in April. I'll keep everyone posted and hope to see you then.