I have dedicated time, viewing the human condition through 50 millimeters. I have owned an array of farther and wider focal lengths, though most of my portfolio has been shot at 50mm. I shoot on a medium format sensor and I solely use Sigma glass. All of my lenses have had an f-stop of 1.4, giving me the ability to separate my subjects from the background.
My portfolio is dark, authentic and my work environment is intimate. My photographs are predominantly, colorless. As a child, I remember sitting in between my grandparents and staring into my their photo albums. I was confused yet intrigued. Black & white, faded images, moved me, at such a young age. Photographs of both my grandfathers in their youth, wearing military uniforms and their wives looking hopelessly in love. I feel that images in color, instructs the eyes and mind; effortlessly. Though the absence of color; draws in. Into the subjects world, into their soul. A history untold and almost dreamlike. For most, bright and vibrant colors, stimulate feelings of joy. My portfolios theme represents the reality; the darkening truth.
I am a truth seeker and for three years, I have documented the lives that reside in the streets of my hometown. I was born in Phoenix, Arizona. Myself, I have questioned, that if this was the right path that I should be taking? Is risking my life, worth a photograph? Simply put, yes. Though in order for anyone to truly understand the gravity and weight, behind my short answer, I will lend you my boots for a moment. In my past, I have experienced rock-bottom; mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have struggled with creating real and authentic relationships. We live in a world full of selfishness and misery. I’ve spent nights, wailing into the sky; over my failures and tribulations. I’ve wallowed in self-pity, staring into the bottom of an empty liquor bottle for more than a decade; alone. Years in succession, I would hide from this world, feeling ugly and ashamed. With no light left in me, I had no light to offer.
Art and creativity has saved my life. The people I meet and with each story I hear, I no longer feel; alone. I am uncovering this world’s truth and in the process; my own. A photograph contains more than just pixels. It’s something; greater. It’s a chance for someone’s life to be acknowledged and understood. The lens I use, isn’t only a tool for capturing images. It’s used to capture an essence of your truest self. A microcosm of expressions; wrinkles, freckles, blemishes, and imperfections. Features that our society deems as unattractive or unworthy. I view these features as authentic and beautiful. The work I do, casts a forefront to empower and change the perception of a lost, but not forgotten world.
I hope my art, inspires and moves you. I hope it contains enough power to move our world, into a direction of real change. Leaving selfishness behind us and embracing our authentic selves. I hope we become more selfless, in all of our endeavors. Guiding the generations before us, into the light. My passion towards my life’s work, through poetry or a photograph, is worth dying for. I am sober; today. I am a lot happier; today. Everyone, every day, risks their lives, they may do so unknowingly at times. I gravitate towards a great risk and I do so; to create ART. My name is Stevie J. Welcome to all.
This entry is titled ‘Where the Sky Begins…’
I begin to clean the dust particles off of my lens. My stomach begins to fill with dread of what may happen, beneath the sky. I hear a quartet of violin strings, softly playing in the background. ‘Time’ composed by Hans Zimmer, is flooding my ears and apartment. Musical scores from my favorite motion pictures, calm my nerves and ignite my creative process. The dread I speak of, stems from a year ago. I was assaulted on a light-rail. I haven't let the incident, change the way I feel towards humanity. Wherever the masked man is today; I forgive you.
‘Light-rail beating’ Self-Portrait (Seen Below).
I am alone. Walking into rough neighborhoods. The eyes around me begin to wander and I can feel the tension in these streets. I strive with light guiding my steps forward; into the unknown. Preserving the safe-space between my subjects and documenting with only kindness in my heart. Shedding light upon the reality, bringing their presence out of darkness. I want the viewer to feel moved with empathy for the lost and living.
(Seen Above) A Homeless man holds a sign that reads “Happy 49th to me I tried all day to put something together and the results was only $5.00 anything is plenty please help god bless” A man approaches and extends his arm towards the subject. The subject raises his gaze from below. Only to realize that the well-dressed gentleman, was reaching for the button. This photograph demonstrates the invisibility of life on the streets.
During my walks, I make a discerning effort to visit ‘Whiz’. A homeless woman, that I have been visiting with for 2 years. When we first met, I had asked for her name and she replied “it’s Whiz! Like the saying Gee Whiz!”. She wishes for my success and safe travels, every time I pass through. For as long as I’ve known Whiz, she has been residing every day and night underneath a palm tree; alone. She’s very calm and stoic, with her back resting upon the tree. We have shared deep conversations about photo-journalism and the homelessness crisis. Whiz is very insightful and she describes herself as a passionate economist. Each time I am near, I have offered to buy her food or something to drink. Whiz has always declined; with a beautiful smile on her face. (Seen Below)
She has a deep sense of pride and I can feel that she would like something to eat or drink, but is too kind to oblige. I mention “I am headed that way for myself anyway, are you sure?”. Whiz lights up and mentions “I am really thirsty and would like a blue icee or a cold soda!” Her responses are adorable and It warms my heart. It also moves me, that her excitement is for something that costs, less than a dollar. It’s always a grounding experience and I feel shaken up from moments like these. My encounters with Whiz have made me appreciate every small thing, in my life. She’s the kindest person I have met; in these streets. The thought of Whiz, exists in my head; often.
Light is within; each of us. When we choose to embrace it, light will reveal our truest potential. Make this change within yourself and you will find peace. Reach for humanity that surrounds; you. Today, tomorrow and every time you are beneath the sky.
When I am in doubt that if the life as a documentary photographer, is where I should be? I close my eyes tightly, reminisce about my work and the passion I have; coursing through my veins. I feel the positive experiences and negative encounters; I have overcome. I recite to myself “My intentions are pure and I am not weak. Behind the lens. In the street. Where the sky begins… is where I belong.”
Photographs were professionally shot and edited by Stevie J
All photography by DopeEdit is protected from copying, scanning, reproduction, enhancement or manipulation by Federal Law.