My name is Stevie J, I am the photographer and creative artist behind DopeEdit. Though my real passions are discovered within the streets. I have been a foot-traveler for most of my young adult life, traveling on foot across the country. I’ve backpacked roads, highways and major interstates; searching for my own inner happiness. This way of life is not kind by nature, but I’ve learned that you must travel through the deepest and most darkest territories; to encounter any 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍 beauty.
Out of respect for this woman's privacy, I am choosing not to disclose her real name and/or any of her personal information. She will be referred to as ‘Sunny’, because of the joy and incredible experience we both shared.
When I first met Sunny, I was catching the bus to northern Phoenix. I noticed off to the side of the road, a woman sitting with her jacket covering her face. She was drowning in tears of pain and deepened depression. Survival on the streets, is not built for the faint of heart. I invited her to tag along with me and in return, I had made a deal, that I can help turn Sunny's frown; upside down.
Sunny and I traveled side by side, through the streets of Phoenix, Arizona. I bought her a couple slices of pizza after the hamburger, she practically inhaled. Sunny was very hungry and I could tell that she hasn’t eaten for a few days. I spent my day watching Sunny eat, whatever her eyes feasted upon. It was an unforgettable experience and as her mood lifted, mine followed suit. During our time together, I had uncovered what Sunny was really hiding…a contagious energy, that I wanted to bottle up and release for my own; inevitable cloudy day.
We boarded the city's light-rail, on its way into central Phoenix. We sat across from one another. It all felt surreal, as my anxiety from the overcrowded train; dissolved. Her slight beautiful grin; lasted seconds. Experiences in my life had reminded me, to be mindful and treasure these small yet profound moments. Sunny laughed and she cried. I quickly started to realize that I had become a substitute for that rock, she sorely needed. Sunny’s stability over the years, has been lost; having to juggle with the dangers of street-life. Sadly, even with my best effort to lift Sunny's spirit, the dark clouds came over us and the harsh reality of her troubled life; rooted deeply within.
"happiness, in its essence, is a brief experience of joy and pleasure which quickly fades away.” -psychologytoday.com
My hopes were for one split-second, just one frame, I would capture Sunny's essence. Capturing essence through the art of photography, her legacy will live forever, thus the moment; 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒅𝒆…
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.