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| 29 |

american savage

young drifter panhandling, san francisco, april 2008

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his face shows fresh violence.

"you been sleeping 'round here?" i ask, "gets kinda dangerous; lotta kids getting beat up."

"yep" he says, "but i'm dangerous too."

he's close with the scumfucks. so he does pretty good. his name is "stephen", but they call him "savage demon".

"'savage' cause i hurt people."

me, i'm not so sure.

was born in virginia, but is from oregon. his mom's there. his dad's in vegas.

"they're fucks; but i love them"

there's native american in him. he's proud of that. he's the only one of his family with any darkness in his skin to show for it.

been on his own since he was 14. five years now. gets around by hopping trains. mostly on the west coast; "up, down and back again." but wants to get to new york this time; never been. figures it will take him a few months.

spends time with his aunt when he needs his "solitude." she has some land in oregon. been having trouble with folks since her husband died; so he patrols the property with a shotgun.

but she has cancer and won't last so long.

"she cried when i left..." his thoughts trail...

"but she knows my heart's in movin."

94 Flickr comments:

` Andrew PL says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called A Portrait Group, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

...posted 6/14/2010 12:59:54 PM

My friends call me Abhi. says:

Beautiful

...posted 6/6/2010 11:40:50 AM

lemonhoney says:

Beautiful photo for a beautiful person. Painful eyes. I'm enjoying looking at your photos. They are amazing.

...posted 4/14/2010 6:08:21 PM

foxielicious says:

such a beautiful face

...posted 3/31/2010 12:54:08 PM

mskogly says:

Sounds like the story of Jack Kerouac.

...posted 2/10/2010 8:33:06 AM

xkimdaisyx says:

Great capture, love that you get to tell their stories!

...posted 2/9/2010 1:00:01 AM

Harpersbizarre says:

Jellis- what I love about tom's work is he really isn't here to defend it or to seek sympathy. he is simply telling a story, and giving voices to those "thugs in the Haight" who really don't have much of one. now I know many are there by choice. but the real question is- what choices of others played a role in them being there in the first place? my guess is that very few of them had a childhood like mine- complete with a meal on the table, a college fund, and parents who made me feel like I was pretty fantastic....but that's just a guess. But I love that you are there volunteering- that is not easy and comes from a big heart. I hope, though, that if one of those "homeless kids" ever did turn to you- - you could treat them like you treat the ones who "truly need help".

...posted 1/18/2010 1:33:09 AM

jellis629 says:

I do a lot of volunteer work in SF, helping those who truly need help.

The "homeless" thugs in the Haight, though - they need to go.

Read more:
www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/16/BA48...

FYI - most of the "homeless kids" in the Haight live that way because they want to. Posers.

...posted 1/18/2010 1:20:36 AM

pcorp2009 says:

breathtaking ive rarely ever seen a photo like this.

...posted 6/11/2009 6:53:12 PM

Che troiaggine. Che schifo tu. says:

Beautiful eyes

...posted 5/10/2009 4:24:04 PM

Loretta Stephens13 says:

Great portrait- a very moving story as well..
You do great work!

...posted 5/8/2009 10:41:55 PM

Starbuck05 says:

Incredible shot and story! WOW!!

...posted 5/7/2009 3:02:09 PM

Paul Fenis says:

Fantastic!!!Bravo!
----------------

Your fantastic black and white picture is my winner!
Please add this photo to
flickr.com/groups/bwphotoaward/
invited with SICI (2009-03-08)

...posted 4/26/2009 4:37:44 PM

exergue says:

savage sadness
savage preacher
dumb in young
soon no teacher
can bust through his
vitriol hadicol skull duggery

what
am i not sympthetic
course iam
i am sympathethtic to all
men in the lurch
sans church
avec la bouch
la grand bouch
avec le boost boast
coast to coast
he dah host
or da toast

frie him fast
keep him blast
such bullcrass

...posted 4/23/2009 1:21:04 AM

sarah saxon says:

these are amazing

...posted 12/27/2008 9:32:47 AM

JSDouble says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called International Gothic, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

...posted 12/6/2008 3:46:03 AM

NYCArthur says:

Your work continues to bowl me over

...posted 12/5/2008 3:03:03 AM

Sleepless Aquarius says:

(Arty, drifters will always exist). Beautiful portrait. I love your work.

...posted 11/18/2008 5:57:31 AM

Arty Smokes (deaf mute) says:

So drifters still exist? He sounds like a character in a Gus Van Sant movie and his eyes are so expressive that he should probably star in it. Remarkable shot.
--
Seen on your photo stream. (?)

...posted 11/18/2008 4:11:43 AM

AH in Pgh says:

hard to look, frightening to read his story...

...posted 11/17/2008 5:04:30 PM

Thyago Rodrigues says:

excellent work!!!

...posted 11/17/2008 3:36:44 PM

A. Spence says:

your portraits are amazing and haunting. I can't help but wonder what could have been for these folks.

...posted 11/10/2008 1:02:51 AM

aquababe says:

wow - you make the faceless homeless so human and real. Thank you!

...posted 11/7/2008 7:54:28 PM

Christian Carocca says:

very incredible portraits
great work

...posted 11/7/2008 1:54:31 PM

Fifi Patchouli ☠ says:

Incredible eyes!

...posted 10/31/2008 10:55:47 PM

picaccino says:

different but great as 'northern drift'..

...posted 10/28/2008 9:33:30 AM

h_ _ o d_ p_ta says:

increibles retratos

...posted 10/8/2008 3:34:18 PM

Tizzy! says:

Fantastic shot, he's gorgeous!

...posted 9/25/2008 10:28:25 PM

urtaur says:

great gallery

...posted 9/3/2008 12:02:29 AM

nascity says:

Very interesting...

...posted 8/27/2008 6:14:28 AM

Kriptonite in real life Samoamax says:

Hola, soy el administrador de un grupo llamado Emotional - Emotives and Fashion y nos encantaría agregar esto al grupo.

splendid

...posted 8/10/2008 3:07:13 PM

YC Liu Photography says:

very touching story. great shot as usual.

...posted 7/24/2008 2:46:07 AM

PixelHoundSF says:

Tom, you remain an inspiration. Great Work! Cheers, JT

...posted 7/11/2008 5:54:22 PM

Khela def says:

your work is amazing, you should write a book about all of this, just pictures and stories... it would be a way of giving them back a bit a respect and perhaps sort of a place in the world, even if for a few minutes only and a small bunch of people...

...posted 6/18/2008 11:11:12 PM

dk79 says:

Your photostream is incredibly powerful. You do a great job telling the stories of human lives in words and images.

...posted 6/18/2008 8:59:41 PM

Double_Nickel says:

So sad that he would waste his life like that. So many came from circumstances like his and made something of themselves with hard work and perseverance.

...posted 5/28/2008 1:49:54 PM

gordy1 says:

what a fantastic set of images , we can never really know what goes on in some peoples mind , but if they are not hurting anyone ..... why not ? wouldn't we all like to drift for a while .

...posted 5/24/2008 10:55:28 AM

Chris Beauchamp says:

Hi, I stumbled onto your work from a link on Metafilter:

ask.metafilter.com/91660/How-do-I-photograph-help-and-res...

Instant fan. Excellent approach, and excellent results. Love the honesty.

...posted 5/19/2008 9:45:25 PM

SkyShaper says:

an exceptional piece of work

...posted 5/18/2008 9:32:46 PM

basilly says:

What a poignant and evocative shot. I don't know what to say. Your shots leave me f'n speechless.

...posted 5/17/2008 7:01:00 PM

An_Drew_ says:

these portraits of yours are so beautiful and so sad at the same time...thanks for sharing all of this

...posted 5/2/2008 4:30:46 PM

billpusztai says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Fine Art Male Portraits, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

...posted 5/2/2008 12:14:49 PM

foxfjord says:

His eyes belie his claim of savagry - a shame what society has done to our youth, GBH. As ever, your work is a masterpiece in so many ways.

...posted 5/1/2008 12:35:39 AM

laSilvi says:

hello tom. haven't been here in a while. you still amaze, and as someone (kind of) pointed above, your writing is as awesome as your photos.

...posted 4/25/2008 1:02:39 PM

MadameSeverine says:

woow

...posted 4/17/2008 8:29:05 PM

Harpersbizarre says:

thank you for this one

...posted 4/16/2008 2:09:04 PM

lymang says:

I've run out of superlatives to describe your portraits. I so want to emulate you. Sigh.

...posted 4/15/2008 7:05:10 PM

mpkillmer says:

Every photo and story you post I get that feeling in my stomach like when my favorite author comes out with a new novel..Beautiful photo, touching story. Thank You.

...posted 4/13/2008 2:29:41 AM

quantumlimit says:

excellent work - glad your work is in flickr

...posted 4/11/2008 10:22:08 AM

StanD70 says:

It's been a while since you've posted. This was worth the wait. I love how you personalize your pictures. Everyone has a story worth telling.

--
Seen in my contacts' photos. (?)

...posted 4/10/2008 11:31:41 PM

como_un_pez_en_el_agua says:

Oh, You are always great.....how lucky we are, innit?? how easy we complaint about our lives..and afte all,,,,shit!, tehere is a lot of people so really fuck!

...posted 4/10/2008 9:31:45 PM

dianer1119 says:

I love how you capture the true person in your pictures and in your questions. Thank you for showing us this side of life. My son spent 6 weeks on the streets of Philadelphia, because he hated himself, his life, the world around him, and struggled with mental illness... I see a bit of him in some of your portraits. They really move me. Although he still struggles with mental illness, he is living in a safe place now. (not sure why I shared this, but felt I needed to.)
Thanks!!!

...posted 4/10/2008 8:55:02 PM

metini says:

you are a real photographer. big respect for what you do and the way you do it.

...posted 4/10/2008 7:57:10 PM

{wyethhouse} says:

souls... they're real and hearing these stories puts a face on the significance of each one

...posted 4/10/2008 1:00:39 PM

Luna Soledad says:

You amaze me every time with the amazing souls your introduce us to...

Thank you.

--
Seen in my contacts' photos. (?)

...posted 4/10/2008 12:42:37 PM

jinxmcc says:

You say so much with your spare real words and your honest caring portraits, and I find it hard to think of anything that seems worth adding as a comment. I am moved, beyond language. Your work is profound, a legacy.

...posted 4/10/2008 6:18:45 AM

rdmsf says:

You have a poetry which you use beautifully in speaking of the lives of others. Thank you for sharing.

...posted 4/10/2008 6:18:03 AM

rhutch says:

Another amazing photo and story. Thanks for sharing

...posted 4/10/2008 2:03:20 AM

Lys∫∫ says:

i love the random street phoography out there. is to natural and raw.
fave

...posted 4/10/2008 1:41:58 AM

brents pix says:

one thing i always notice about your shots..the subjects eyes. really pull you in.

...posted 4/10/2008 12:49:00 AM

RIAFACEE89 says:

amazing person. i love your works -- both narrative and photographical. it's what i wish to do, but i don't know where to look, or where to find the courage to talk.

...posted 4/10/2008 12:10:04 AM

¥∑Ñ$kŸ says:

sad story...love your work

...posted 4/9/2008 11:10:59 PM

[] bichito [] says:

another stunning one, you are one of the few who makes portraits talk and words look

...posted 4/9/2008 9:34:49 PM

matt_and_his_pics says:

Great story, both the image and the text. I figured out that one aspect of your photography that I enjoy a great deal is the lack of posing. I've always loved candid shots of real scenes. You capture that well.

...posted 4/9/2008 9:13:43 PM

Steini Vigg says:

nice dude.
Real nice.

...posted 4/9/2008 7:41:34 PM

.Surya. says:

so strong! great capture, love the b&w!

...posted 4/9/2008 5:51:23 PM

* Ahmad Kavousian * says:

Amazing portrait Tom, good to see you around.

...posted 4/9/2008 5:50:24 PM

Joy is a Joy says:

what beautiful eyes! you can almost see the color in them. great shot!! great job! :)))))) xx

...posted 4/9/2008 5:47:21 PM

cashhold says:

What a beautiful child. I love to see your photos and read the stories. They are forever with me. God bless these people who live on the streets, for whatever reason. I cannot imagine what their life is like and the hardships and pain they endure daily.

...posted 4/9/2008 5:29:58 PM

marce_garal says:

Great great work!!!!!

...posted 4/9/2008 5:27:07 PM

BikerBlue2 says:

great portrait ,great history fantastic

...posted 4/9/2008 5:18:47 PM

Anuradha Sarup -101moments.com says:

He's only 19?!?!?!

...posted 4/9/2008 4:25:21 PM

leone. says:

write a book.
this is another great story.

...posted 4/9/2008 3:51:44 PM

Eric P. Olson says:

How sad that he is so lost, it is sad how he refers to his parents. They obviously did not nurture and care for him as parents should, and it is such a shame. Children are a precious gift from God, People look at him and say what a waste, but the truth is that his parents are the waste.

...posted 4/9/2008 2:53:57 PM

rex dart: eskimo spy says:

he is beautiful.

...posted 4/9/2008 2:26:28 PM

.marcel bianchi says:

hey, its been a long time.
keep posting please.

...posted 4/9/2008 2:05:36 PM

Marcela Faé says:

nice shot...

the model...amazing =o)

...posted 4/9/2008 1:28:08 PM

~BranchDesign says:

beautiful eyes

...posted 4/9/2008 1:00:29 PM

civgirl says:

wow.
good to see you posting again.
this is amazing!

...posted 4/9/2008 12:34:49 PM

TurboFreddy says:

Very touching, as always. Thanks for posting

...posted 4/9/2008 12:07:47 PM

iamnona says:

the struggle in his eyes is very apparent.
unfortunately, i don't think his story is a very unique one.
very sad...

...posted 4/9/2008 11:29:00 AM

Paradise Regained says:

as always - a great portrait... beautiful boy and sad story. what a waste..

...posted 4/9/2008 11:22:40 AM

original_ann says:

It's so wonderful the way you flesh out the 2-D portraits and give them heart and soul. Bless him and his family.

...posted 4/9/2008 11:12:32 AM

Mindstormphotos says:

it's the photo it's the story it's social documentary photography !! and you
are very good .

seen in my contacts.

...posted 4/9/2008 10:01:31 AM

Rui Ornelas says:

Fantastic portrait.
Moving story.

--
Seen in my contacts' photos. (?)

...posted 4/9/2008 9:34:41 AM

Steve Boone, (around the world) says:

Solid portrait. Thanks for sharing.

...posted 4/9/2008 9:26:43 AM

muskva says:

It always amazes me how you managed to talk with these people but the photos never look like the posed ones.

...posted 4/9/2008 8:52:18 AM

davieunited says:

As always - great capture and captivating story!

...posted 4/9/2008 8:41:02 AM

pfflyers1 says:

well written last 3 lines
the shot and story is ..... well .... Just part of life in the "big city"
Your work is ":the real quality" here on flickr

...posted 4/9/2008 8:31:23 AM

Sinsong says:

i think it is a lot harder to get the story behind each person's portrait you make than taking the photo itself.

so far u are doing really excellently on that.

...posted 4/9/2008 8:13:50 AM

MISOzaps says:

It's good to see you again. Thank You for sharing this piece of life.
This portrait is touching. He has beautiful eyes " les yeux sont le miroir de l'ame"

...posted 4/9/2008 8:13:49 AM

Weardale One says:

wow...great picture and moving story...almost hard to believe a life like that actually exists...

...posted 4/9/2008 8:06:37 AM

23hq.com/ciberado says:

Stoneth, hope your spirit doesn't become sad with such a great amount of human stories. Thanks for sharing, you're doing a great job.

...posted 4/9/2008 8:06:31 AM

OliveEyel says:

What a beautiful face.
Sad story...but seems to be a drifter.
Wonder if people like that can adjust to a "normal" life.
Wonder what his future holds.
Excellent portrait shot.
; )

...posted 4/9/2008 8:04:33 AM