Wherever I am, I am always searching for some kind of purpose, or larger reason for being there. For some reason, I always feel like I need to create some kind ofjob.
This feeling is especially apparent in New York, city of purpose, where everyone has a reason for being here – sometimes two. The other night I went to a Moth Story Slam in Manhattan and three of the storytellers were aspiring actors – but one was also a bellhop, and another was also a salesperson in a yoga shop. New Yorkers all have a purpose – you can tell just by the speed they walk at. I, however, do not have a purpose in New York City, although I walk fast all the same. My only aim is not to be an irritating tourist all the time.
When I was looking through my photographs I realised that I've been taking lots of images of New Yorkers doing things. Amy's Bread bakers kneading their dough in Chelsea Market, serious guys playing handball in Chinatown, purposeful batsmen waiting for their turn in serious baseball games in Central Park. People with purpose.
