City of Angels
Concluding this edition of LA, the Long Walk Part 2 . . . .
Carmello and Manuel
Made in America
Bringing in the dogs
Out there
Coco
Railway tracks
Distant skyline
LA River – the long view.
Climbing the wall
“What are you doing down here alone?”
“Who wants to know?”
Sal works in the air treatment plant down by the river.
Under the Bridge
Depot panorama
Risk Everything
Downtown Artist Space
Larry
Leonard – “I’m here most afternoons at this time!”
Chocolate – “It doesn’t matter where you are, it doesn’t mean nothing if you’re not at peace. I’m at peace.”
I took these photos on a walk from downtown LA along 7th Street to the bridge over the LA River and back along 6th St, streets which go through Skid Row and old manufacturing areas, transport depots, you name it, the armpit stuff that keeps clothes on our backs, food on our shelves and everything in between. And no I am not joking about the clothes – America Apparel has machines humming along churning out the cotton polyester right here in Downtown LA, right across the road from the golden arches of McDonald’s and the Greyhound depot where those silver blue dogs slip in and out in pursuit of the American Dream.
The people on the streets? I see a community of sorts, individuals surviving on the rough edge of life. We can blame the government, corporations, we can do that forever! Somewhere within the dynamics of the Downtown revitalisation, care and acceptance work behind the scenes and maybe, just maybe we might see a level of improvement which might at least defy the odds of gentrification and make a good place even better for everyone . . . If you have ever wondered what it’s like to live by the LA River, here is one person’s brief account of her fifteen years by the River of Life.
Some fine photos there. Thanks for showing some Los Angeles non-glamour.
Nice collection, Patty. Thanks too for the video link.
It’s a barren streetscape, Patti, and so strange that it’s a functioning hub the rest of the week. I found it very sad wandering along with you, and was so thankful for the colourful people we met along the way.
You’ve caught them again, all of the people that we sometimes look at but don’t see. Wonderful.
The underbelly of LA is so rich with life! Thanks for bringing it centre stage. I was very moved by the integrity and respect you showed for these marginalised people.
Amazing journey through the LA that most of us never see. Thanks for giving voice to these people. Your photography is wonderful.
PS America Apparel has their “sweatshop” in LA? That’s one for the books.
Great set!
Lovely, random collection of people. It must be an interesting city to walk around in. Thanks for sharing.
watching the portraits, you made, dear Patti, I’m always asking myself: how did she manage to get the people looking so calm and friendly to the camera!
Lonely rail lines and an urban river complimented with a superb array of portraits. Nice job Patti!
Thank you for the walk Patti 🙂 How long have we been walking this time? I am impressed with the captures – most of all your bridges – VAST
Great photography, Patti. But what about the homeless? It should not be in a rich country….
You never disappoint, Patti! These are brilliant.
You hit it out of the park with Chocolate. The photos…her words….speak volumes!
A walk through the streets of the forgotten. Many characters with their own look on life. Chocolate had a quote worth remembering. It helps us to appreciate our lives if posts like these are done. Thanks, Patti for keeping real.
Excellent, excellent tour! Extremely revealing photo essay.
I wonder how Chocolate protects all of the wares and psessions in her camp from thieves.
Patti, you’re really amassing a great body of work. Once again there are some great street people shots, but I also just LOVE the 6th St/One Way sign one.
Well done. Sigh.
Some incredible street photography!
A fantastic journey. I still think you’re very brave for venturing down there alone.
always love to see those happy faces 🙂
You capture brilliantly the reality of Skid Row as well as its pervasive humanity Patti. Thank you for taking us along.
Thanks also for the link to the story of the homeless lady by the river….heartbreaking.
Very nice set, Patti. I find myself photographing quite a bit in this area of Los Angeles … there’s just something about the grit and grime around there that makes it interesting.
Thank you icastel and yes, so much that is interesting in this part of town but changing so quickly . . . . Might see you down there one day!
Wonderful images Patti 🙂