Sitting Unseen
Chronic illness has affected every part of my life, and in order to do what I love, I have had to make adjustments for my body. Life in New York has made benches an integral part of how I move through the city. As I sit on these benches, I am both an observer and a participant. I breathe life into moments, seeing the city as these benches do, and capture the essence of its inhabitants through the lens of my camera. It is in these moments when my shape forces the breeze to bend around me that my pain fades into the background.
Although you may not see me as you are rushing past or looking over, I am still here.
These images are my mark on the world. They exist separately from me. I can be bound to my bed, blinds closed, shut off from everyone, but these photographs still exist. They are still here, hanging on this wall, even if I am not standing with them.
Sitting Unseen Thesis Paper
It has been twenty minutes since I stepped foot out of my apartment door. From the safety of home, I venture out into the city. I can feel a sigh of relief move through my chest when I spot a bench up ahead. A quiet place nestled between the bustling streets of New York City. I can feel my muscles weaken from the walk, my heart rate rising with every step. Finally, I sit. Benches feel lonely most of the time. Sometimes I find company in an older gentleman or a student waiting for a bus…