Far from home, whilst in a country that has much significance in my life and journey, I’m detaching momentarily from the news cycle to celebrate a profound life achievement:
My first major publication, “Soft Eyes”, will debut this week in Paris during
@polycopies alongside the many people who made it possible. We will have limited copies available at the fair and will be hosting a signing alongside many other
@deadbeatclub titles + artists, on Saturday, Nov 9. We are up at 6PM.
I reflect on the far more dire circumstances that led my father to once seek political asylum in France and eventually led him to the place that inspired much of the work in this book. The former place I now find myself in too feels like a refuge, and the moment emblematic of life’s twists — most of which we cannot control, but must make the most of.
Beyond grateful to be here for it and to the people who made this all possible (many of which are acknowledged in the book, but honestly, too many to name). That said, I will call out a few who are sharing this time abroad with us:
Gratitude would not do justice as a sentiment for what I feel for you Allie. Thank you for believing in us and stewarding this project across its many forms. Thank you Clint and Alex for your desire to manifest this publication. Thanks to Chris, Andy, Nelson, Ann, and Charlie, who put so much into making this all come to life. I’m blessed to be here with my loving partner Anya, who had no small hand in this as well. And last, but certainly not least, thank you Austin and Hank. I would not be the photographer I am today, without my main collaborator and primary sources of inspiration. One of the true honors of my life is existing on these pages with you both.
I cannot wait to share this book with everyone back home soon — and with all those that might stumble upon it around the world, in some bookshop or shelf, like I have done countless times before 🖤
