Aaron Stern signs copies of his latest book: I Woke Up in My Clothes.
I Woke Up in My Clothes is a visual narrative from American photographer Aaron Stern (born 1978), whose images have appeared in such publications as Dazed & Confused, The New York Times’ T Magazine, and L’Officiel Hommes. Capturing lost moments of intimacy and shattered landscapes ranging from Rockaway Beach after Hurricane Sandy to the empty lots on the outskirts of downtown Los Angeles, these photographs are the artist’s attempt to capture a world view that life consists of periods of positive connections that punctuate the isolation of modern existence and the inevitable decay that faces all human endeavor. Photographed on 35mm and medium-format film from 2007–2013, I Woke Up in My Clothes includes an introduction by Los Angeles writer Rich Appel and a poem from award-winning American poet David Wagoner—an existential hymn to impermanence and companionship.
Espressoing
A few more days
A final Hi meeting
The local neighborhood bar has a quiet time between six and nine. It is a place that specializes in coffee, beer and seasonal menus. There is just enough of each for a satisfying snack and effective buzz. After the time when the laptop lids close and before the social gatherings start -- there is a sort of twilight*. Often this time is a fugitive ground rife with creative inspiration and meditative work -- of the kind that results in personal reward.*twilight may refer to civil, nautical or astronomical variety depending on your social or terrestrial condition
A man positions his mouse on the edge of his browser window. He clicks, holds and drags the viewport first left then right. The content of a video game promo micro site responds and adapts to the available space. To the man, this is more delightful than the game itself.
A man laboriously moves his piano down three levels onto the subway platform. Classic vocals and strided chords -- he played so well I swore he was blind. Oblivious to the heat on that August stage, he was most in touch with his audience -- whom he elevated with his music.
A woman should do exactly as she pleases no matter what a man may think.
As the Dalai Lama once said, "It is a time when there is much in the window, but nothing in the room."
"No one understands me," she said. Her grandmother was silent for a minute. It seemed she was searching for an answer in the star speckled sky. "But no one understands anyone in this world, darling. We are all unique. It is what gives us a sense of wonder."