Emiliano Seasons travels every year from Boston to visit the New York State Fair, Syracuse NY, Sept. 3 2023
Jerry Alonzo inspects one of pieces of art work at his workshop. Alonzo is a retired judge in New York and makes art that is inspired by the social injustices he has seen in his career.
Chris Monk at his home in Rochester, NY, July 13, 2023. Monk describes his former drug use, including heroine and bath salts, as chaotic. In that part of his life he was a victim of violence, and suffered due to his substance use disorder. When speaking about being incarcerated Monk stated “there is a huge difference between being told you can’t do something and choosing to not do it”, “I had everything planned out, I had money, knew where I could buy, and within 15 minutes of getting out I had a needle in my arm”. His testimony to this illustrates the failures of criminalizing drug use, and not treating it as a mental disorder. Since he has been in recovery Monk has dedicated much of his time in service to the community serving the underserved.
A bobble-head of Queen Elizabeth and a corgi on the hood of an MG during the MG Car Club’s 50th Sports Car and Auto Festival in Rush, NY Aug. 27, 2023.
Andrew Wollschleger at his home with his collection of The Last Supper themed skateboard decks displayed on the wall in Greece, NY, on Sept. 25 2023. Wollschleger heavily used cocaine and alcohol for years. During a meeting with a medium he was told that he had two demons on his body, one on his shoulder and one on his ribs. Wollschleger attributes some of his life changing attitude and actions to the heavy use of psychedelic plants. During a “heavy dose” of mushrooms Wollshleger had an epiphany that he was the reincarnation of Saint Andrew. He believes he has lived many lives including that of a saint, tree, bush, and Poseidon. Wollschleger has not used cocaine or alcohol for years, “Its my rise from scum to saint, that’s truly what I believe.” When reflecting on his past he stated “ I was not born scum, I was a good kid, but I lost my way, but here I am again.”
Members of the hardcore band The Weight We Carry play at The Bug Jar in Rochester NY, Jan. 29 2023.
Alaina Mupparthi watches as her fellow dancers from the Latin Rhythm and Dance club warm up before they appear on stage as part of the Fringe Festival in The Little Theatre, in Rochester NY, Sept. 17 2023.
Cameron Wiseman sings along in the wings, while the rest of his a cappella group Eight Beat Measure performs, in The Little Theatre at Fringe Fest in Rochester, NY on Sept. 16, 2023. It is customary for a new member to join the rest of the group later in the performance.
Pyntch Roberts in Johnny’s Irish Pub in Rochester, NY on Sept. 28, 2023. “Pyntch” has been gigging in Rochester for almost four decades. He plays a variety of instruments and bands, currently playing in Godslove, Gavin Barry, Rebel Banjo Circus, and Grand Jester. His musical interests span from “Psychedelic Math Metal” to traditional Irish folk music.
Kira Avery (Master Beekeeper, and American Sign Language Interpreter), notices a bee emerging from the hive, while performing an inspection on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, in Henrietta, NY.
Will Carroll “The Outsider” poses with his gimmick baseball bat on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, in Rochester, NY. Carroll began pro-wrestling 3 years ago. He finds the shock value of wrestling is what drives him to keep going.
