Luxury is time spent doing things that you want to, not because you need to. Real luxury is doing things at your own pace, on your own timeline, taking your sweet time, without being monitored by others.
The new privilege in this modern world is being unconfined, outside of boxes, offices, cubicles, computers, and being outside, quite literally, just being in the great outdoors.
The more that I consider happiness, is this really the goal? Perhaps power should be our ultimate passion in life, increasing it, becoming physically stronger, and more powerful.
Why?
The more powerful I become, the happier I am. Perhaps happiness is merely a byproduct of your power, courage, or heart.
What is a photograph?
A photograph is a reflection of your courage. Courage, or cor – meaning heart.
Your heart is on display in the photographs that you create.
Just think, does a shy and bashful street photographer have the capability of propelling themselves onto the front lines of life, each and every day, embracing chaos, unpredictability, the unknown, without fear? No.
You must be courageous, fearless, and intrepid in order to practice street photography at a high level.
When it comes to my daily practice, I make sure to photograph with speed, agility, and rapid velocity. I don’t photograph in a way that requires contemplation, consideration, but merely snapshot my way through life. This becomes a much more interesting experience, as the results, the photographs, are determined by my intuition. Ultimately, I believe that your intuition determines the composition.
A photographer is responsible for positioning themselves on the front lines of life, pressing the shutter with their gut, and moving forward with their heart.
Everything else in photography—technical ability, history, knowledge of what makes or breaks a good photograph—can all fall to the wayside. For these things do not matter, but the only thing that matters is that you propel yourself onwards, and upwards, with the grand attempt to elevate the human spirit to new heights.
When you set your body in motion, without preconceived notions, you will be surprised at what you will find. For when you walk outside, and propel your body onward, you exist outside the passage of time. When you photograph, you are merely existing, in the now, in the moment, recognizing patterns in both nature, human behavior, and creating something from nothing. This act transcends all notions of physics and gravity, as when I photograph, I am creating something that can seemingly last forever—something that transcends this world and exists within the digital world, using modern technology.
Consider architecture or sculpture, and the medium itself. I believe these two art forms are some of the greatest expressions of human achievement due to the sheer size, grandeur, and technical skill involved in creating these pieces of art, such as the sculpture of David in Florence, the Colosseum, or even City Hall here in Philadelphia. Think about the way in which these men, who built these structures, defy gravity, by scaling upwards, placing sculptures higher up in the sky, crafting looming columns, rooftops, and intricate details that trim the exterior of buildings or adorn tunnels.
There’s something about physics, the laws of the universe, and going beyond them, that makes certain art forms more impactful than others.
My problem with the physical photograph, in print form, is that it typically exists inside, on a wall, in a frame, displayed in the same old way.
You have to use particular lighting and stand from a specific distance in order to achieve the proper viewpoint of this work. It becomes two-dimensional and mediocre in my opinion. Perhaps the digital spaces will be infinite, endless, and accessible to all. I find more interest in the digital world, as a means for expressing, sharing, and making photography viewable.
I think that when you set yourself, your art, in a box, whether a room or within the four corners of a frame, it becomes limited. I seek to go limitless, boundless, and transcend all notions of physics.
I spent a lot of my years traveling, on the road, living a very nomadic lifestyle. My experiences are what shape me and my life to this day. I’ve had the privilege of traveling the world since I was a little kid, visiting family in Italy for Easter, embracing different cultural experiences since I was around 7 years old, and am now a dual citizen between Italy and America.
I’ll never forget the first time I decided to live abroad, studying at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. I made an effort to visit all the major Palestinian cities and found a new home in Jericho. After six months, and graduating, I decided to volunteer abroad and returned to Israel. I lived on a kibbutz, worked with cows, farming, and even maintained the gardens, practiced horticulture, and landscaping.
One evening, in the middle of the night, I became bored of this experience, wanting more, so I packed up my bags—which was basically just a single backpack, as I always travel light—and hit the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. I knocked on the doors of the hostel and spent the next few months volunteering there. I swept the floors, mopped, made beds, and even picked up the trash outside, threw it in the trash pit, and burned it. I had a routine, waking up early with the sound of the mosque, Allah Akbar, on the speaker, walking to the Majid to pray, coming home to eat breakfast with the Palestinian family, doing my chores, knocking on the door of my friend Mohammed‘s house, visiting Hassan, watering his garden, chatting, and exploring the desert. I slept on the floors of mosques, learned about Islam, and even allowed the Imam, Hirsham, to convert me in the end of this experience. While I am and was born and raised Catholic, I was simply curious at the time, as an open-minded person, eager to learn. I photographed on the frontlines of conflict between Israel and Palestine. I’ve seen war, been in many dangerous situations, and lived extremely frugally, most times in simulated poverty. A lot of days, I would get by just eating a few pieces of pita bread and some hummus.
I returned to the United States, seeking more out of life. I heard about the Peace Corps and decided this was the best opportunity for me to continue my traveling. In the Peace Corps, I worked with aquaculture, or fish farming, in remote villages in Zambia, Africa. I learned the local language, prayed under the Seventh-day Adventist Church, documented baptisms and funerals, and lived amongst the Bemba tribe. I slept under a thatched roof, with a mosquito net, drew my water from the well, washed my clothes by hand, tended farms, fish ponds, and prepared my own food from scratch—purchasing chickens, slaughtering them, plucking their feathers, and preparing the food by hand. I’ll never forget my time in Israel and Palestine, working directly with cows, or even during Eid al-Adha in Jericho, the day of sacrifice, when hundreds of goats were slaughtered all throughout the streets.
I have an affinity for nature but recognize the hierarchy that exists within it. Human beings are the apex predator, and I believe that we must make sacrifices to increase our power or our happiness.
However, happiness and power are simple. You can achieve happiness, or power, by simply going outside, going for long walks, working outside, doing things physically. I recognize how little you need to get by, after my experiences traveling the world.
I am here, back in Philadelphia. What is next?
I’m currently working in horticulture, and I’m starting to really enjoy it. It provides me with time away from the chaos of the city, surrounded by green spaces, and not to mention, it’s an art form. I’m very curious about spending time in nature, learning about plants, writing essays, poetry, reading philosophy, and enhancing my artistic abilities beyond just mere photography. Maybe I could even get into pottery and try new mediums that are more physical. Who knows where the road will take me, but I know for a fact that I only do things that interest me. I’m not merely here just to accrue money, retire, and die. I’m here to thrive, on the front lines of life, living, how I choose, and deem interesting. I think the interesting path is worth considering.
Would you rather sit inside the office of the Comcast tower, making $1 million per day, but never see the sunlight, the sunrise, or sunset, considering the 9-to-5 lifestyle?
I know for a fact that I’m not cut out for 9-to-5, but I’m currently trying to design my life, where it almost feels like I’m “retired” in a period of otium, away from public life, enjoying physical leisure. Personally, I realized that I need to work alone, as most other people just get in my way. I’ve worked as a photojournalist, worked in the offices of City Hall, a photographer for the city, and even worked in politics. Even if a lot of these jobs are seemingly the easy path, where I can even just sit on my butt in my home, or work from Zoom, it’s not something that I would ever choose. I’m trying to design my life in a way that I do not have to check my phone or my email. To me, this is modern-day slavery—being on call, on your phone, sending emails, doing Zoom, even if you work from home. It’s not worth it. It’s no way I want to live or what I deem to be freedom. After all my travels, I’ve realized that true freedom is under the thatched roof.
What is the function of capital, money, or wealth? Perhaps it’s to increase your power, make a website, buy camera equipment, meat, weightlifting stuff, have a roof over your head, and ultimately create a family, and make children. I could continue traveling, live frugally, and be a nomad forever, but perhaps the ultimate goal of man is sacrificing yourself for somebody else.
Maybe I decided to start working in horticulture here in Philadelphia because I’m interested in being the best artist that I can possibly be, striving for excellence, and going beyond. I enjoy being on my feet, moving my body, and exerting physical force. Perhaps this is where I am meant to be, in the garden, away from the streets.
The story of Rebecca offering water to a man and his camels, found in Genesis chapter 24, is a beautiful narrative that showcases themes of faith, providence, and divine guidance in the selection of a life partner. It begins with the patriarch Abraham, who is seeking a suitable wife for his beloved son Isaac.
Abraham, now advanced in years, desires to find a wife for Isaac from among his own relatives. To accomplish this, he entrusts his faithful servant (often identified as Eliezer) with the task. The servant sets out on a journey to Abraham’s homeland, Mesopotamia, bringing with him ten camels loaded with a variety of gifts.
Upon reaching the city of Nahor, the servant stops by a well at the time when the women of the city come out to draw water. He prays to God for a sign to help him identify the right wife for Isaac. His prayer is specific: he asks that when he requests a drink from a young woman, she will not only offer him water but also volunteer to water his camels. This act of kindness and hospitality would confirm that she is the one chosen by God for Isaac.
As soon as the servant finishes his prayer, a young woman named Rebecca approaches the well. She is described as very beautiful and a virgin, the daughter of Bethuel and granddaughter of Nahor, Abraham’s brother. The servant runs to meet her and asks for a drink of water. Rebecca promptly lowers her jar and gives him a drink. After he has finished, she offers to draw water for his camels until they have had their fill.
This selfless act fulfills the servant’s prayer precisely. Overjoyed, he gives Rebecca gifts, including a gold nose ring and bracelets, and inquires about her family. Discovering that she is indeed from Abraham’s relatives, he bows down and worships God, praising Him for His guidance.
The servant then goes to Rebecca’s family and recounts the entire story. Her family, recognizing the divine hand in these events, agrees that she should go with the servant to marry Isaac. Rebecca herself consents to the journey and the marriage.
Rebecca travels back with the servant to Canaan. As they approach, Isaac is in the field meditating. Seeing the camels, he goes to meet them. When Rebecca learns that the man approaching is Isaac, she covers herself with a veil, a sign of modesty and respect. The servant relays the entire story to Isaac.
Isaac brings Rebecca into the tent of his mother Sarah and takes her as his wife. He loves her deeply, finding comfort in her presence after the loss of his mother.
The story of Rebecca is a poignant example of faith, kindness, and divine providence. Her willingness to serve a stranger and her family’s openness to God’s plan highlight the virtues of hospitality and faithfulness. This narrative not only marks the beginning of a significant union in the lineage of the Israelites but also serves as an enduring lesson on the importance of trust and divine guidance in our own lives.
The Garden of Epicurus, also known simply as “The Garden,” was the philosophical school founded by the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus around 306 BCE in Athens. This garden was not just a physical space but also a symbol of Epicurean philosophy, which emphasized the pursuit of happiness and tranquility through simple pleasures, friendship, and intellectual contemplation.
Key Aspects of the Garden of Epicurus:
- Philosophical Haven: The garden served as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of Athenian life, providing a serene environment conducive to philosophical discussion and reflection.
- Inclusivity: Unlike other philosophical schools of the time, which often excluded women and slaves, the Garden of Epicurus welcomed individuals from all backgrounds. This inclusivity reflected Epicurus’ belief that the pursuit of happiness and wisdom was a universal right.
- Focus on Simple Pleasures: Epicurus taught that true happiness comes from simple, everyday pleasures rather than extravagant indulgences. The garden, with its natural beauty and tranquility, embodied this ideal.
- Friendship: Epicurus placed great importance on friendship, considering it one of the highest forms of pleasure and a key component of a happy life. The garden provided a space for friends to gather, converse, and support each other.
- Philosophical Teachings: Epicurus’ teachings in the garden covered a range of topics, including the nature of the gods (whom he saw as indifferent to human affairs), the importance of overcoming irrational fears (such as fear of death), and the pursuit of ataraxia (peace of mind) and aponia (absence of pain).
- Material Simplicity: The physical layout and maintenance of the garden were simple, reflecting the Epicurean ideal of living modestly and focusing on the essential aspects of life.
The Garden of Epicurus was more than just a physical location; it was a community dedicated to living out the principles of Epicurean philosophy. Its legacy has endured as a symbol of the pursuit of a rational, joyful, and serene life.
Friedrich Nietzsche’s statement, “One should never measure an artist by the standard of his works,” reflects his belief that the value and significance of an artist extend beyond their individual creations. Here are a few key points to consider in understanding this idea:
- Separation of Life and Art: Nietzsche suggests that the artist’s life, intentions, and personal experiences should not be conflated with their works. The creative process is influenced by many factors, and an artist’s work might not fully capture or represent their personal beliefs or character.
- Complexity of the Individual: The statement implies that an artist is a complex individual who cannot be wholly understood or judged based on their artistic output alone. Their creativity, thoughts, and emotions are multi-dimensional and may not always be directly reflected in their works.
- Creative Freedom: By emphasizing not measuring artists solely by their works, Nietzsche acknowledges the freedom of artists to explore various themes, styles, and subjects without being confined to a singular interpretation of their persona. It supports the idea that artists can experiment and evolve without being pigeonholed by their previous creations.
- Intrinsic Value of Art: The works of art should be appreciated and critiqued on their own merits, independent of the artist’s personal life or moral character. This separation allows for a more objective and focused evaluation of the artwork itself.
In summary, Nietzsche’s statement encourages a broader and more nuanced understanding of artists, recognizing that their worth and significance extend beyond the scope of their creations. It advocates for an appreciation of art that acknowledges the complexity and individuality of the artist.
