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running out of time

young homeless man, san francisco, may 2006

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homeless brian from atlanta; people call him "freelove." brian has been on the street since '98. as a child he lived mostly with his mother; and moved from state to state quite frequently.

brian believes that the soul is not part of the body; rather that the body is part of the soul. he believes that his larger soul is extremely fragmented and possesses many incarnations; some simultaneous. he has memories from his other souls and his other bodies. he sometimes refers to them as ghosts; sometimes as dreams.

he describes memories as a child of how his ghosts were used for physical acts by various family members and how his soul was sold to strangers.

he describes how at 16 he was being used by a woman he didn't know. or it was a dream. or it was his ghost. but then he knew her and it was his mother. and she told him he was committing a sin and how could he be so sinful. and she tried to "crush" him as she tried to make him repent his sin.

he believes that people you know can be connected to your seven chakras and thus be a part of you. his "root" chakra is a chinese girl he knew in '95 named ann. he met her in sacramento when he was living with his mother. he thought she was a gift and he didn't know how he had gotten so lucky. ann was there visiting a friend or such. she worked in a dotcom in sunnyvale.

some time later, he went after her to sunnyvale to try and find her. he found her, but she would only see him in secret once a week and would make him call her daily in case she wanted to see him the following day. he was confused by her behavior and missed a day. he never saw her again. he felt her loss like a blow to the "solar plexus" and thus associates her with his "root" chakra. she is the love of his life.

he says people are bad to him and people use him. he says, about 2 years back, his mother surgically removed his heart and sold it; and had him committed to a mental institution. he says his heart was his hero and he can no longer be a hero without that heart. but he says he had a spare "less modern" heart as a backup.

he says things keep getting worse for him. he says he sold his soul to the devil so as to stop his slide. he says he's given himself to evil so that when others do evil to him, it can be no worse. he doesn't believe in actually doing evil to others, however. he says he visits hell frequently. he says that satan is his mistress; but that he's trying to reform "her" so that there will be no more evil in the world.

but he's not sure he can. and he feels he's gone too far. he says he needs help soon. he hopes that someone will give him a way out. but he doesn't believe there's much time. he says soon he won't be able to turn back. but for now, there's still time.

(5/15/06)

239 Flickr comments:

20Pilgrims says:
 Every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist, not of the sitter. Oscar Wilde

...posted 3/9/2010 7:30:37 AM

 
SHUMedia says:
 hes the wanderer around my neighborhood, i see this guy numerous times a day, great capture and even better description

...posted 8/9/2009 5:18:09 AM

 
tatimab says:
 Amazing portrait and story you really could make a really good documentary with this guy and others you have found!

I love it!

...posted 7/27/2009 11:57:34 PM

 
Paterdimakis says:
 Excelent capture, strong story, power photo

...posted 4/22/2009 8:46:56 PM

 
Lucian Duca (hugs, stay well) says:
 Thank you, Tom, for giving a soul to your photographs! Maybe sharing his story with us took more time than actually preparing the photo for upload...
No matter the turmoil he's been through (or he might still be facing), I can see light in his eyes... and tears in mine... Can't say more.
I wish him well! And to you, too!
--
Seen on your photo stream. (?²ˣ)
(which, in turn, I discovered from a note to a photo from another story's stream.)

...posted 4/22/2009 12:55:40 PM

 
AnaElise says:
 Love love love love this.

...posted 2/27/2009 12:59:12 AM

 
Cowtools says:
 Mental illness can be a chicken-and-egg situation. His stories of his childhood sound very much like some one who was sexually abused as a very young child & had to make sense of it as best he could. Growing up in that sort of "reality", it's no surprise he'd grow up unable to tell fact from fantasy.

How do I know? A couple twists & turn on the road of life aside, I'd be Brian.

...posted 2/6/2009 5:02:26 PM

 
April Renee Photography says:
 wow

...posted 10/25/2008 4:48:55 AM

 
Kriptonite in real life Samoamax says:
 Hola, soy el administrador de un grupo llamado Emotional impact MyChoice y nos encantaría agregar esto al grupo.

magnificent

...posted 9/13/2008 11:35:40 PM

 
disco_monkey says:
 This portrait has touched me the most out of this set and reading the description it nearly breaks my heart. There's a deep wisdom and emotion in his eyes which words can't express.

...posted 8/13/2008 2:59:30 PM

 
johey24 says:
 Hi, I'm an admin for a group called www.flickr.com/groups/347754@N20/, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

Your photos are amazing!

...posted 7/23/2008 1:11:58 AM

 
Craig Butcher says:
 Utterly amazing. Those eyes...

...posted 6/29/2008 11:17:11 AM

 
Aloysio Araripe says:
 Againthose eyes ...such strong eyes

...posted 6/23/2008 2:11:45 AM

 
tarynthesky says:
 i bet some of his story is true... like his mother prob. sexually abused him and then made it his fault... sounds like he has had a life full of abuse, and from his tortured pain, has twisted his truths to a very real evil... great pic and great reminder to be praying for the homeless, thanks.

...posted 5/25/2008 3:40:38 AM

 
homocideme says:
 Piece of shit.

...posted 5/21/2008 12:06:37 PM

 
.bipolar says:
 wonderful...


(L)

...posted 5/12/2008 11:56:16 AM

 
gidjetluv says:
 When I was working with street kids, they used words as weapons of violence. But then again, some of them were scared of me. The only weapon I used was the violence of love. It's the only act that will save this son of God. He is a son of God. . .

...posted 5/8/2008 7:00:17 AM

 
SOUTHERN HEART says:
 Thanks for this fasinating story. It is so haunting but yet forecful.The differen't rivers of fear and other emotions are almost a movie in the making.Great Pic and content. Thanks

...posted 5/2/2008 2:23:46 AM

 
uglybitch25 says:
 Itsa shame

...posted 2/9/2008 4:56:40 PM

 
Radianman 크래그 says:
 Beautiful, and terrible!

...posted 2/3/2008 2:10:42 AM

 
R1 User says:
 remarkable capture. your empathy with your subjects is obvious.

...posted 11/26/2007 12:11:39 PM

 
decembre says:
 ♥Thank you too for your post in
"Portrait★Faces"
Continue !

--
Seen in your poverty (all) set. (?)

...posted 11/4/2007 4:31:36 PM

 
dgzgomoo2 says:
 not only is the picture brilliant, but the story behind it is absolutely captivating!

...posted 9/7/2007 6:08:01 AM

 
orangecats says:
 Hi, I'm an admin for a group called The Meaning of Life, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.

...posted 8/28/2007 4:15:48 AM

 
blahdjkshgfkjsahadi says:
 Mr. Stone, some emotional photos you take! But unfortunately they are pieces of a "glass box" world...we see the pic, we wonder, we write "nice" comments and we leave. It makes me feel POWRLESS! And almost angry that there's nothing I can do to help these specific individuals. I know, this is only flickr....yet these photos do more than show something..they MOVE to tears. Real tears.

How can we help the subjects of your photos? Is there a way to follow-up on people like this...donate money to them? Why is this "just flickr" :(((( Again, I feel powerless...


But THANK YOU for your fantastic effort to punch us in the face with REALITY. I'll visit your website regularly.

...posted 7/3/2007 8:12:14 PM

 
Calsurferboy says:
 Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Just California People, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.

...posted 5/29/2007 8:46:21 AM

 
taka_silviu says:
 the portrait and stories are amazing . .thank you for sharing

...posted 5/25/2007 10:25:22 AM

 
-fiction- says:
 check it out... Now freelove will be seen on the streets of Bristol...
www.flickr.com/photos/fictionuk/504663358/
I love this photo, really inspiring,

...posted 5/19/2007 6:47:07 PM

 
chica buena says:
 wow..........

im speechless................


G R E A T

...posted 5/1/2007 9:04:49 PM

 
rainclouds_not_breathing says:
 I think this man has suffered a great deal. he reminds me of Jesus, because those eyes are worth dying for. Why do you do this - take pictures of the homeless? Doesn't it hurt?

...posted 4/20/2007 8:56:16 PM

 
E-ville81 says:
 I love This Intimacy in the "commentary" you capture. This is Great stuff Keep it up. People, Real People and their stories, beliefs and values real Life. Its Perfect. Thank you for Sharing this.

...posted 4/9/2007 8:53:14 PM

 
artOtek says:
 Running out of time... he really seems to be lost...

...posted 3/28/2007 9:07:15 AM

 
montego1 says:
 stunning-sad

...posted 3/24/2007 9:52:26 PM

 
liizza says:
 oh my god..
dunno what to say - your photos and the stories
are so powerful stuff..

...posted 3/14/2007 10:35:40 PM

 
Carl_C says:
 I wonder how this young man is doing now?

...posted 3/9/2007 8:18:56 PM

 
unintelligiBill says:
 He looks just like a friend of mine who was killed a few years ago in the Ocala National Forest. Instead of stopping and getting a ticket for riding a four-wheeler in an unapproved area Dan tried to run from the park rangers. Flying through the woods in the middle of the night with his headlights off he crashed the four-wheeler into a tree and was killed on impact. He was only 21 years old. Alcohol, drugs and the fearlessness of youth led him to an early grave. I hope that Brian gets some help and does not suffer the same fate.

...posted 2/26/2007 2:42:20 PM

 
ramyd says:
 thanks for the photo and the story.
his face is far less emotive than your other portraits.
i am quite sure he has schizophrenia. the ideas and beliefs he expresses are signs of a loose sense of self. he very clearly expressed delusions of passivity (his mother selling his heart etc), persecution (people are bad to him and use him), and guilt (believing he is evil). he is absolutely tormented. i do hope he gets help soon or he will kill himself.

...posted 2/23/2007 11:19:41 PM

 
skag says:
 theres something about his eyes and mouth that make him really innocent like a tiny baby, i wouldnt expect his eyes have seen such innocent things though

...posted 2/8/2007 11:05:56 PM

 
Highyeah says:
 I came across your website last year and fell in love with your photographs and the stories behind them. And finally I found them on flickr.
=]

...posted 2/5/2007 8:10:34 PM

 
øtta says:
 this is my favourite...his eyes...i don't know but there's something special in his eyes..

...posted 2/4/2007 9:30:26 PM

 
bloodycanvas says:
 this portrait is incredible. his eyes are so haunting yet inviting. what a tragic view on life he has, i hope there is enough time for him.

...posted 2/1/2007 3:49:27 AM

 
msveron says:
 beautiful and painful. Most in our society don't see the homeless around them-sleeping in the alleys of our lives. Fewer still listen. Thank your for seeing and listening. And making other's hear.

...posted 1/29/2007 4:52:52 PM

 
kasia_k. says:
 1st thing you can see is this huge wish for help and rescue in his eyes..and this things he says..definetely true, real life..just very different from ours. but..maybe not different at all

...posted 1/5/2007 11:48:11 PM

 
little_stitcher says:
 I hope he is.... well I dunno! My thoughts are still with him.

...posted 12/29/2006 1:26:59 PM

 
sargantanijo says:
 Amazing portrait! Congratulations

...posted 12/22/2006 5:41:35 PM

 
muskva says:
 his eyes doesn't look sad. there must be good future for this boy.

...posted 12/17/2006 4:35:19 PM

 
jenstylee says:
 True work of art. Wish I could say more. Speechless!

...posted 11/21/2006 3:06:29 AM

 
jamretsam324 says:
 Hi, Tom, I went through nearly all your homless. All of them are exeptional and masterful portraits. But this one is my fav, because this young man is maybe mentally ill, but looks like to be happy. He is Messiah and has sorrow and hope in his eyes. It is very expressive and at the same time not depressive (like your others) portrait. Thank you for your work.
PS. excuse my bad English

...posted 11/13/2006 6:01:23 PM

 
StormyinGA says:
 Looking at the face, reading the story, and then the comments, something struck me. Someone said most of the homeless are mentally ill. I believe so too, but how did they get that way? Were they mentally ill before becoming homeless? I have known homeless people and when offered a home, they went through the motions of becoming what we call civil, but at least one admitted to me that given a choice he would much rather be homeless. No ties. No bills.

I do often wonder of these folks, and what would happen to them if real help were offered. Would their mental issues heal? Would their lives be worth living again? Would they find happiness and love, and acceptance?

...posted 11/13/2006 4:20:58 PM

 
*Erickcito says:
 Amazing story

...posted 11/1/2006 11:09:01 PM

 
alajillo says:
 Just saw this one tonight at Triptych in SF...definitely agree that it looks like Christ...if Murillo were alive today and taking photos, he'd be Tom Stone...amazing series!

...posted 10/29/2006 4:03:28 AM

 
Andreas Barsleth says:
 I believe him.

...posted 10/27/2006 11:02:50 AM

 
Kit Vicious says:
 that is so incredable.

...posted 10/23/2006 10:25:45 PM

 
kidoki says:
 interesting story and beautiful portrait

...posted 10/8/2006 1:40:30 PM

 
FlyinSnow says:
 your storys are amazing. im so damn glad i found your page...

...posted 10/3/2006 7:19:16 PM

 
JakeCampbell says:
 you commentary is elegant and superbe

the young man, like many many i knew in my days on the street or in institutions that were doorways off and onto the street, is a friend of us all in a way, the anonymous man who explores the possibilities of spirituality while we eat too much and forget we ever were hungry for a spirit who was sweet to enter our hell for a while...

...posted 9/22/2006 7:33:13 PM

 
karen k. says:
 moving.
but this in itself is talk of an old soul,

"he says he visits hell frequently. he says that satan is his mistress; but that he's trying to reform "her" so that there will be no more evil in the world."

...posted 9/17/2006 3:34:33 AM

 
DA-GNOME says:
 Your protraits are truly beautiful...
it's so horrifing to me how we (any of us) can fall and there is so much emptiness and hardship.
haunting,

...posted 9/15/2006 9:01:01 PM

 
jessie~ "global non-compliance" says:
 he is beautiful and i love your writing:)

...posted 9/5/2006 4:33:48 PM

 
little_stitcher says:
 This could be any of us! Mental illness is often caused by such things! I hope he can be helped. It worked for me. LOve them all

...posted 9/3/2006 9:34:17 PM

 
Michel ! says:
 I blogged your photograph, thanks for sharing, MB.

...posted 9/2/2006 11:31:04 PM

 
prwhitehead says:
 lost for words. the photo is incredible. the story is beutifully told. i am now going throu all of my photos and deleting everyone that is not up to this standard because anything below this is worthless. you have set the benchmark. and again rocked me to slience. fuck.

...posted 8/29/2006 9:04:18 AM

 
BlueLù says:
 Great...I'm happy to have found you...

...posted 8/17/2006 8:54:38 PM

 
Daniel Gonzalez Muniz says:
 Makes you want to help.... beautiful picture and thanks for the history sharing

...posted 8/15/2006 4:35:32 AM

 
casbahdude says:
 photo and story are painful. photo alone is stunning. sf is the last point before the endless water...

...posted 8/10/2006 8:49:04 AM

 
Marte S says:
 Wow, this is amazing!
And what a story. . .
I love these pictures and how they all tell a story of the hard lives of these people

...posted 8/5/2006 8:20:02 PM

 
deVos says:
 Holy smack, haven't seen eyes like that for a while. Almost feels like the male version of the famous Afghan girl picture.

...posted 8/4/2006 12:04:01 PM

 
mon of the loin says:
 words and life stories aside, I love your portraits. The way you get in so close to their personal space is what makes them so good. They remind me a lot of Avedon's portraits. Same kind of warmth, intimacy and keen interest in human nature. Congratulations! Amazing series you've got here!

...posted 8/4/2006 7:55:05 AM

 
lost4words says:
 Incredible.
A constant high-water mark on Flickr.
I want to be you and that's not easy for me to say

...posted 7/26/2006 6:50:29 PM

 
Serjirao says:
 If this young men could have as much supports and attention in his real life than he gets here with these comments... We'll be all friends....

...posted 7/21/2006 4:15:09 PM

 
Mama & Baby Maddog says:
 It kills me that people are so horrible to others

...posted 7/20/2006 10:37:18 PM

 
gardinergirl says:
 Intense face & story.
Thanks for sharing.

...posted 7/20/2006 7:50:11 PM

 
The Grand Duchess says:
 ...how terrifyingly beautiful and hauntingly sad.
You have an amazing ability to capture some incredible portraits of the bewildered in our world....both in pictures and words.

...posted 7/16/2006 11:00:32 PM

 
si3illa says:
 My god...

...posted 7/11/2006 8:41:30 PM

 
R Silver says:
 really good

...posted 7/11/2006 9:17:30 AM

 
deborah d. lattimore says:
 this boy and my son have the same eyes

your work moves me beyond words

...posted 7/8/2006 3:48:35 AM

 
sphnx~ says:
 :)

...posted 7/4/2006 9:43:27 PM

 
RainAtDawn says:
 Just came back to tell you I added this to my splurge. I hope you like it, and don't mind your pic being in there!

...posted 7/1/2006 10:53:56 AM

 
alivale says:
 your portraits are amazing, and I love the fact that you also tell their stories.

...posted 6/29/2006 2:17:17 PM

 
Monalicious in Carbsland says:
 It's true that eyes are the mirror of the soul.
when I saw that picture I thought about Jesuschrist's films on TV in Easter.

...posted 6/26/2006 10:01:44 PM

 
Juisllordadi? says:
 he looks like a new jesus.... something weird


see you
bye

...posted 6/26/2006 7:57:59 PM

 
Lapsklaus says:
 Being a true fan of your photos, browsing in on your photostream almost daily, I have never been so moved as by this photo. And it's not just the photo ofcourse, it's the story, the way you tell it, with love and humbleness. By portraying others you also reveal yourself, and even a part of all of us viewers. I'm in total awe. Thanks so much. And thank you, Brian.

...posted 6/24/2006 2:47:54 AM

 
J.V. Alves says:
 p-e-r-f-e-c-t!
cheers!

...posted 6/22/2006 11:22:16 PM

 
bow99 says:
 This is amazing. it has such feeling. you manage to capture life in peoples eyes but this mans eyes are my favourite

...posted 6/21/2006 8:09:08 PM

 
fahrlaessig says:
 wow his eyes are awesome!!! nice shot!!!

...posted 6/20/2006 6:52:16 PM

 
exhibitj says:
 Amazing story and even more amazing work on your part.

...posted 6/20/2006 4:52:39 PM

 
roseofmay says:
 i think he's more normal and grounded than most of us.

beautiful commentary and photo. xox

...posted 6/17/2006 1:48:12 PM

 
Aerial² says:
 Speechless ... You just lead me speechless ...




...posted 6/16/2006 4:08:55 AM

 
Musa disoccupata says:
 his eyes ere speaking..
all of your photos are hurting and hood taken..
thank for add me... bye

...posted 6/12/2006 7:05:06 PM

 
vanjah says:
 archetype,universal prototype, very powerful for a large chunk of our planet.

...posted 6/12/2006 7:01:59 PM

 
ooneyanne says:
 What a hauntingly handsome face- only enhanced by his wild and mysterious beliefs. redhotjezebel...LOVE him. God does. People like this need to be embraced, and we need to believe that God wants them in his kingdom more than we want them to get there.

...posted 6/11/2006 2:59:02 AM

 
3rd foundation says:
 OK, I'll throw my comment on top of the giant pile. I've seen this shot several times. I'm not sure why I didn't comment on it before or fav it. It is a spectacular portrait. All of your work is very thought provoking.

...posted 6/6/2006 1:37:21 AM

 
redhotjezebel says:
 i'm not certain whether or not to fear this man or love him.

...posted 6/6/2006 1:16:39 AM

 
Perched says:
 wow.

...posted 6/5/2006 12:39:31 AM

 
akameus ( Randy Kosek ) says:
 What more can an artist do, than to tell the tale of another so beautifully ?

...posted 6/4/2006 4:14:18 AM

 
andiclixclub says:
 i think you should take some time out and refer this guy to a doctor before he jumps of a cliff

Great Shot!

...posted 6/3/2006 1:24:16 AM

 
Magall* says:
 You have beautiful portraits.

...posted 5/31/2006 11:00:15 PM

 
calievis says:
 perfect almost beyond comprehension

...posted 5/31/2006 3:40:44 PM

 
Deadhead Daisy says:
 I am speechless.... but his eyes tell everything....

...posted 5/31/2006 7:10:35 AM

 
fotoattack says:
 incredible.

...posted 5/29/2006 12:10:03 AM

 
Four Doxn says:
 The eyes appear to be the common link in your photos.
You capture their soul....I'm blown away and a little frightened to enter without being invited.
My pic's are so trivial in comparison...please don't look.

...posted 5/28/2006 7:16:06 AM

 
jocelynsart says:
 this is a wonderful portrait.

...posted 5/27/2006 12:53:55 PM

 
RainAtDawn says:
 Amazing story, amazing portrait. His eyes are piercing, he reminds me of somebody but I don't know whom

...posted 5/26/2006 3:48:47 PM

 
Leucippus says:
 Makes me think about what he could have become under different circumstances :/ His eyes are so great! Thank you so much for your amazing photos, stoneth.

...posted 5/25/2006 10:02:42 PM

 
bryanstupar says:
 yea, a stunning shot. thanks for the info about his life....

...posted 5/25/2006 1:44:51 PM

 
epic steve says:
 stunning! (like all of your photos!!!)

...posted 5/24/2006 7:43:47 PM

 
Hel Des says:
 Amazing picture, person and story it is so hard to believe the story behind the face..............he is so beautiful! So sweet and look so inocent ............How could life be so hard?

...posted 5/24/2006 7:24:03 PM

 
rici0322 says:
 The picture is intense. Thank you for taking the time to get to know Brian and sharing his story with us.

...posted 5/24/2006 2:27:25 PM

 
curly_exp( l)osure says:
 Wow... powerful shot and even more powerful story...
amazing, Stoneth.

...posted 5/24/2006 12:09:41 PM

 
wordspix says:
 heartbreaking

...posted 5/23/2006 6:10:58 PM

 
YnR says:
 He's high but then in all this it makes sense. thanks again.

...posted 5/23/2006 1:24:37 AM

 
hagenbecks zebras says:
 first time coming to flickr . . .
. . .and it won`t be the last.
thank you and greetings from hamburg, germany.

...posted 5/22/2006 7:37:20 PM

 
nascity says:
 Interesting story...and just by itself a WONDERFUL portrait...

...posted 5/22/2006 4:31:19 PM

 
GaryBrownePhotography says:
 Once again you blow us all away with your extraordinary ability to look beyond the surface,capture it and show us real humanity-well done.....again

...posted 5/22/2006 12:36:50 PM

 
sergeant killjoy says:
 Wow- very powerful picture. Thank you for providing the story behind his eyes, as well!

...posted 5/20/2006 11:27:31 PM

 
stumbleine says:
 amazing eyes, this picture conveys so many emotions >_< which become even more when you read the story...

...posted 5/20/2006 9:33:04 PM

 
dotblend says:
 Verdict yes from the fliqrgroup

amazing shot, WOW, great story , you shoud not forget he is also human, and also no matter what is history is he also need a shoulder to cry on, and some loving words.

...posted 5/20/2006 8:09:10 AM

 
dlemieux says:
 such intensity. there is so much in his eyes...

...posted 5/20/2006 5:18:47 AM

 
beccalh says:
 I also believe the young man is schitzophrenic. My first husband was a fantastic artist, photographer, poet..you name it. He was also schitzophrenic and in the end committed suicide.
I agree with Debbie CB NYC - people should not romanticize mental illness. It is tragic for the person and for all those who love them. Sometimes they allow themselves to be helped and sometimes they don't.
I hope someone can help him, but I am afraid he will listen to the stories in his mind and not accept it.

...posted 5/20/2006 2:18:55 AM

 
J Diggity says:
 AMAZING story. His eyes are ...full... of something.

...posted 5/20/2006 1:00:16 AM

 
Lara Alegre says:
 Awesome!

...posted 5/19/2006 8:42:37 PM

 
photomorti says:
 just amazing , WHAT A STORY !!!

...posted 5/19/2006 6:44:40 PM

 
Amelia PS says:
 heart breaking, what a sad story.
your photo is incredible.

...posted 5/19/2006 4:37:58 PM

 
Natman says:
 Wow - one of the most amazing pictures I've seen on Flickr in a long time. Really haunting.

...posted 5/19/2006 4:36:40 PM

 
mbauhs says:
 really nice to get the story along with the photo. sad stuff...

...posted 5/19/2006 2:48:34 PM

 
dogndub says:
 fantasic shot what a face

...posted 5/19/2006 2:38:31 PM

 
alonsodr says:
 Perfect!

...posted 5/19/2006 2:22:11 PM

 
Besarabka says:
 Eyes are doors of our soul. Great! My faved

...posted 5/19/2006 12:52:59 PM

 
ideaprison says:
 powerful, great portrait.

...posted 5/19/2006 9:08:55 AM

 
Djuliet says:
 he could be the cover picture of your book...

...posted 5/19/2006 7:11:40 AM

 
Equus Bipes says:
 This capture is overwhelming. I aspire to take pictures of this quality. Thank you for sharing this with us.

...posted 5/19/2006 6:52:38 AM

 
ladyloneranger says:
 My compliments and admiration for your work.

...posted 5/19/2006 5:27:26 AM

 
Carrie Taylor says:
 WOW...
Sounds like he had a horrible childhood and he dealt with it the only way his mind could. So sad. Your work is inspiring Stoneth...Thanks for sharing it.

...posted 5/19/2006 3:08:33 AM

 
Filipe2457 says:
 Fantastic, thanks for the tale.

...posted 5/19/2006 2:03:25 AM

 
Debbie C.B.'s says:
 poor baby
sad
he looks saintly and mentally ill
I reconize that "look"
people shouldnt romantize about it
its very tragic
people like this suffer so much
drugs and drinking only amp it up

...posted 5/19/2006 12:41:56 AM

 
m0xie says:
 i hope brian gets his real heart back, and finds ann.

...posted 5/19/2006 12:07:10 AM

 
critical thought says:
 the photo and the story are both incredible... wow.

...posted 5/18/2006 11:14:51 PM

 
china * doll says:
 & you wouldnt think twice about giving these people a quater
beautiful story
you can see his great features underneath

...posted 5/18/2006 11:02:16 PM

 
mooseonthemove says:
 what an amazing portrait!

...posted 5/18/2006 9:18:20 PM

 
Milena T. says:
 your work is so intense so moving, so perfect.
Amazing artist!

...posted 5/18/2006 8:06:12 PM

 
Thespis of the Bay says:
 He looks innocent.

...posted 5/18/2006 7:47:45 PM

 
RubenMalayan says:
 couldnt be better. perfect.

...posted 5/18/2006 7:26:49 PM

 
mattsonster says:
 nice lively portrait.
very unusual description!

...posted 5/18/2006 6:07:50 PM

 
Vmal says:
 Your portraits and stories give us glimpse into the subject's soul. Stunning....

...posted 5/18/2006 5:52:15 PM

 
olivelife says:
 You have such a way of capturing the true essence of the human quality. Well done.

...posted 5/18/2006 5:33:41 PM

 
Alan Spring  says:
 excellent portrait

...posted 5/18/2006 5:02:53 PM

 
StanD70 says:
 a picture may be worth more than a thousand words, but the words you wrote are worth as much as the picture.

...posted 5/18/2006 4:36:18 PM

 
anandajoy says:
 Very touching, and I may add, there are many, many middle class or wealthy people that have the same belief system as this young man. He looks like he is searching, very haunting story.

...posted 5/18/2006 3:56:53 PM

 
waking_dream says:
 another stunning shot.
his theories and life remind me of so many broken people i've met in New Paltz, N.Y., which like San Fransciso, is a magnet for troubled souls.
unfortunately, no one else can fix a person.

...posted 5/18/2006 3:54:06 PM

 
Harpersbizarre says:
 I look into his eyes and see the eyes of God looking back at me. He looks so much like Christ.

...posted 5/18/2006 2:40:24 PM

 
lawatha says:
 Stirring.

Congratulations! This image is currently one of Flickr's most interesting photos for 17 May 2006. (It is on page one of the calendar view.) Would you please add it to the Interestingness pool? It would be a great addition!

...posted 5/18/2006 2:09:17 PM

 
Ctd 2005 says:
 What eyes, a sad story, great portrait & a great write .
exceptional.

...posted 5/18/2006 1:04:26 PM

 
moucho_negro says:
 genial

...posted 5/18/2006 10:25:33 AM

 
Nicola Del Mutolo says:
 M a r ve l o u s!!!

...posted 5/18/2006 10:12:02 AM

 
LucaPicciau says:
 Excellent portrait, very well done!

...posted 5/18/2006 9:24:05 AM

 
Tous les noms sont déjà pris... pfff... says:
 Mystical...

...posted 5/18/2006 8:43:23 AM

 
lindes says:
 A beautiful image of a beautiful face and person. I thought so from the first time I saw this come up on explore... yet I didn't click. And I saw it again, a number of times, and I didn't click. And now, at last, I clicked. And then I saw the story...

I'm left speachless, beyond this detached description of my reaction, and perhaps a simple "wow".

I share some of the opinions above as well, most notably just to say thank you for sharing -- the image, and more so, the story that goes with it.

If there _is_ something we can collectively do, won't you let us know what that might be? Perhaps, collectively, each of us could give a little, and folks like Freelove here could get a lot. I'd be open to giving a little to such a cause...

...posted 5/18/2006 7:31:02 AM

 
ajschroetlin says:
 Powerful image and story.

Thanks for sharing.

...posted 5/18/2006 6:52:29 AM

 
seanwm says:
 Those eyes, captivating to say the least!

...posted 5/18/2006 6:18:30 AM

 
jinxmcc says:
 The photo is beautiful, and your recounting of Brian's story, the jumble of spirituality and poetry, poetic or emotional truth, pain and seeking... very moving. We need to keep being reminded of what we share. We can't "fix" him, but people can do much to meet needs of those who are lost. Some would find their footing, some would not. It seems that in disappointment over those who don't get better, our resentment makes us unwilling to do what we could do. Stoneth, your eloquence of words and photos is a gift.

...posted 5/18/2006 6:18:11 AM

 
Janis Brass Photography says:
 Your text is an extension of his soul, excellent capture and excellent text. I love this one Stoneth.

...posted 5/18/2006 4:57:44 AM

 
Michele AKA zimza says:
 life is so precious! thank you for speaking for the socially mute. your work is amazing.

...posted 5/18/2006 4:42:42 AM

 
OVNIto says:
 incredible!!

...posted 5/18/2006 4:30:21 AM

 
sunburnsideup says:
 Fantastic detail--this portrait looks like it wants to break through the black-and-white barrier and bleed all kinds of vivid colors. I love it.

...posted 5/18/2006 4:27:26 AM

 
Amythia says:
 I find so much beauty in his eyes.
I enjoy your photos so much.

...posted 5/18/2006 3:46:58 AM

 
GrandmaSondra says:
 To look into his eyes is to see his soul. Empty and needing to search for life above the clouds.

...posted 5/18/2006 3:10:48 AM

 
carf says:
 The child in him stopped growing a long time ago....
To break out of this tragic cycle that he is caught up in, he will need someone with a lot of patience, care and loving. A grand investment that very few are willing to make because the price is an extremely high one...., but so are the rewards.
This is a most memorable portrait and one that I will need to come back to many times to reflect upon. Thanks!

Gregory - The Hummingbird Project (Projeto Beija-Flor)

...posted 5/18/2006 3:09:45 AM

 
J_B - Johnny B says:
 That is deep bro, ...nice shot

...posted 5/18/2006 1:03:08 AM

 
Global Reactions says:
 It's amazing what a hardlife can do, how it shows in the face. I find it fascinating that you can begin to see the lines in his skin of a hard and torturous physical and mental life. but his expression is still so youthful and bright...I don't think he's lost the fight yet.

...posted 5/18/2006 12:56:18 AM

 
CatDancing says:
 All these faces are so beautiful in your portraits. They come to life with the stories. Thank you for sharing these.

...posted 5/18/2006 12:45:48 AM

 
Rodrigo Adonis says:
 very interesting story & portrait, i like his deep look.

...posted 5/18/2006 12:12:57 AM

 
Stu Worrall says:
 such a sad story but such a perfect portrait. faved

well done on the front page explore by the way ;-)

...posted 5/17/2006 11:41:38 PM

 
AArchibald says:
 What tragic eyes...may he find peace...

...posted 5/17/2006 11:36:55 PM

 
Mariposa Indigo says:
 wonderful shot !!!

...posted 5/17/2006 11:14:29 PM

 
PAX - nl says:
 wonderful portrait!
someone said above that he looks like a saint and that's true! the peace in his eyes is a treasure that you brought up. thank you!

...posted 5/17/2006 9:49:12 PM

 
. Az says:
 what a story and what a shot.

...posted 5/17/2006 8:25:45 PM

 
martellobrasile says:
 seems jesus!!! great shot!!!!!

...posted 5/17/2006 8:17:28 PM

 
niklens says:
 a great portrait......!!!!

...posted 5/17/2006 7:57:42 PM

 
_Hans van de Vorst says:
 Quite a story. His eyes are peacefull and he's got a gentle face. I think you shot his soul. Impressive...

...posted 5/17/2006 7:57:33 PM

 
Memo Vasquez says:
 Amazing portrait!

...posted 5/17/2006 7:50:04 PM

 
* Ahmad Kavousian * says:
 Great shot

...posted 5/17/2006 7:37:22 PM

 
m11ka* says:
 again - thanks for taking the time to get the stories with the pictures. really great.

...posted 5/17/2006 6:44:54 PM

 
ignacio_lpm says:
 Thanks for another stunning image and story.

...posted 5/17/2006 6:37:36 PM

 
m_l_monschein says:
 perfect shot!!!
I feel like loosing myself in his eyes...

...posted 5/17/2006 6:37:00 PM

 
W.i.l.l.i.e. says:
 sydneyamw i believe you hit the point here.
" ...That they have been given a gift of sensitivity to things that I do not have. And that gift is painful. Most people call them crazy or liars. I think they are teachers."

Thank you for sharing with us your story.

...posted 5/17/2006 6:10:36 PM

 
cybermanikan says:
 Such an amazing revelation you provide with the story and photo. Thank you. It reminds me of when I worked in Mental Health for a stint. So many sad and confused stories. So many people put into institutions only to be "voted out" within 4 years by unaware voters and an aloof State congress. Tragedy has its beauty because there is so much dark poetry in people's lives. I try to never forget that such works of art are often purchased with such pain...

...posted 5/17/2006 6:05:23 PM

 
maat108 says:
 .... wonderful shot !!!

(touching story ...)


-------------------------------------------------
!!! THE FACE !!!
Please add this exceptional image to:
www.flickr.com/groups/theface/
-------------------------------------------------

...posted 5/17/2006 5:47:35 PM

 
Name_Taken says:
 the photo and the story are absolutely amazing!
excellent job!

...posted 5/17/2006 5:33:32 PM

 
patxi says:
 amazing protrait

...posted 5/17/2006 5:22:47 PM

 
нσвσ says:
 Fabulous!

...posted 5/17/2006 5:12:07 PM

 
AnomalousNYC says:
 fascinating portrait

...posted 5/17/2006 4:41:52 PM

 
soleá says:
 ~i am totally moved by this foto! what a great job you did!!

...posted 5/17/2006 4:28:21 PM

 
Primo Tacca Neto says:
 Wonderful expression.

...posted 5/17/2006 4:09:08 PM

 
Ghoolygirl says:
 So sad : (
But but beautiful.

...posted 5/17/2006 3:55:45 PM

 
sydneyamw says:
 I was in love with a man who, in the end, succumbed to drugs and alcohol. It was sad and gut-wrenchingly painful to watch the transformation from productive man to homeless person. He also had 'stories'.... truths like Freelove. I believe that people like these have access to a different place than us 'regular' folk. That they have been given a gift of sensitivity to things that I do not have. And that gift is painful. Most people call them crazy or liars. I think they are teachers.

...posted 5/17/2006 3:32:18 PM

 
Mc Shutter says:
 A masterpiece, as usual!
(Both the photo and the verbiage.)
We are so blessed to have you here.

...posted 5/17/2006 2:57:30 PM

 
harpm1 says:
 OK this is really striking!! What process was used to get this image? It reminds me of an old daguerreotype.

...posted 5/17/2006 2:40:03 PM

 
Supervixen. says:
 Wow. Perfect.

...posted 5/17/2006 2:31:00 PM

 
ed's point of view says:
 great portrait; poignant story...

...posted 5/17/2006 2:16:41 PM

 
chrysanthemum-mom says:
 grumpy chris, you hit the nail right on the head.

it's sad that a large portion of the homeless population is mentally ill. you can imagine their potential had they been dealt a different stack of cards.

the photos continue to amaze and deeply touch me. thank you for giving them names and sharing their stories. no one else would take the time - not just to look them in the eye, but into their souls.

...posted 5/17/2006 1:48:21 PM

 
alandot says:
 his soul is still there... can see it in his eyes.. great capture

...posted 5/17/2006 1:47:13 PM

 
johnengler says:
 amazing story.

...posted 5/17/2006 1:40:46 PM

 
I Shutter says:
 Very moving image and story... Great shot..

...posted 5/17/2006 1:38:07 PM

 
W.i.l.l.i.e. says:
 This story breaks my heart.
He maybe mentally ill but, despite that, his story is really tragic.

Hope Brian find peace.

...posted 5/17/2006 1:29:17 PM

 
ॐ Sèrëwen says:
 u have magic

...posted 5/17/2006 1:25:04 PM

 
pallamaio says:
 speachless...

...posted 5/17/2006 1:20:44 PM

 
Kris Kros says:
 Great.

...posted 5/17/2006 1:16:18 PM

 
WomanChild says:
 Stole my breath - both photo and words.

...posted 5/17/2006 1:11:59 PM

 
iamnona says:
 wow, unbelievable~ he reads like a poet~ i hope that he finds time, or that time finds him~

...posted 5/17/2006 1:04:27 PM

 
bennyjewell says:
 hey buddy i just hooked up with 123 and saw your image and had to write my first comment to you ....love this new one .. its really intense that guys story ...

...posted 5/17/2006 12:28:40 PM

 
Nekominn says:
 extremely touching

...posted 5/17/2006 12:23:16 PM

 
bodofotoz says:
 Very sad. A perfect example of just how torn a precious life can get starting at the very crux...... parenting. Beautiful portrait. Moving story. Uputalotofworkintothis! Thankyou.

...posted 5/17/2006 12:14:44 PM

 
J. Chris Vaughan says:
 Paradise Regained,

Be careful about taking anything he says literally. While he may have been abused, it is impossible to tell if any of his story is based in reality. Surely you don't believe his mother removed his heart and sold it as well. He's mentally ill.

I've been close to someone with schizophrenia, and it took a long time for me to realize that almost all of the incredible stories they told were just not true.

Brian is tragic, and he breaks my heart, just as all of Stoneth's portraits do. In each of them, I see my mentally ill loved one, and then little pieces of myself; knowing just how lucky I am that my reality jives with the truth enough to let me function in normal society.

...posted 5/17/2006 12:12:44 PM

 
!Carolyn! says:
 I believe he may reach the enlightenment he seeks in his soul as he is wise in his lessons. He is beautiful.

...posted 5/17/2006 12:08:59 PM

 
AustinTX says:
 Amazing.

...posted 5/17/2006 12:07:45 PM

 
Ben° says:
 look like a saints...

...posted 5/17/2006 12:00:02 PM

 
original_ann says:
 This is a devastating story - and thanks stoneth for taking such time in telling it for him - Truly.
I can only hope that through you... through someone... he's saved from this spiral that started from his childhood horrors. Someone needs to go find his precious heart and buy it back for him...
(I'm even ashamed that I'm saying "someone" - - I feel so helpless).

...posted 5/17/2006 11:45:14 AM

 
Bender76 says:
 uff great portrait
incredible eyes

...posted 5/17/2006 11:29:41 AM

 
teenage jesus says:
 I know it's quite prosaic, but I have to say it: "poor little Brian freelove!".
what did they do to 'crush' him to this conditions?

...posted 5/17/2006 11:27:05 AM

 
Hudlu says:
 Fantastic!

...posted 5/17/2006 11:17:33 AM

 
Paradise Regained says:
 Another stunning portrait. The story is harrowing. How can people treat kids like that? Your work, as usual, is a wake-up call for us all.

...posted 5/17/2006 11:14:16 AM

 
Arandjel says:
 I have to aree with the previous commentator on how prefectly the two (photo and story) complement each other.

...posted 5/17/2006 10:54:56 AM

 
paracuda (adios, flickr!) says:
 The image, the story ... just great and powerfull.

...posted 5/17/2006 10:46:03 AM

 
Djuliet says:
 deeply moving

...posted 5/17/2006 10:42:51 AM

 
moonlighting says:
 Stoneh, this portrait is very strong, like a fist in the stomach....
Brian eyes are so innocents and his touching story...
and then, he remember me a good friend of mine that have the same look...

Love it...

(sorry for my english, I know isn't very good)

...posted 5/17/2006 10:35:08 AM

 
tickled_pink says:
 incredible story

...posted 5/17/2006 10:33:26 AM

 
ten-nine says:
 emotive and powerful portrait (123)

...posted 5/17/2006 10:32:36 AM

 
sobakasu says:
 Beautiful silvery cast (1-2-3)

...posted 5/17/2006 10:20:31 AM

 
Robert Voors says:
 Sorry I did not read the whole story. But the image is wonderful. 1-2-3

...posted 5/17/2006 10:10:07 AM

 
Hugh_C says:
 powerful image.

...posted 5/17/2006 10:08:33 AM

 
CantikFotos says:
 Excellent portrait. Really high quality work here.

...posted 5/17/2006 10:06:50 AM

 
SophieMuc says:
 oh those eyes...
what a touching story!
wow!

...posted 5/17/2006 10:01:51 AM

 
vakas says:
 i loved the portrait without reading the description..
and its just a lovely description, befitting the capture..
great work stoneth..

...posted 5/17/2006 9:58:36 AM

 
23hq.com/ciberado says:
 It's not imagination, it's his real world. Thanks, stoneth, as always.

...posted 5/17/2006 9:52:17 AM

 
princess_sorrow_gerona says:
 Increible mirada, que lindos ojos. Como siempre una foto fantástica.

...posted 5/17/2006 9:48:21 AM

 
slamehi says:
 What an immagination... Amazing portrait!

...posted 5/17/2006 9:46:30 AM

 
dariuszka says:
 fantastic portrait. his face and story is beautiful...stunning!

...posted 5/17/2006 9:46:01 AM

 
TobiTobi ( now www.ipernity.com/home/tobitobi) says:
 Incrdible eyes! Great capture!, good story

...posted 5/17/2006 9:43:44 AM

 
Kenny Muir says:
 He looks like he has had a good drink! Good capture

123

...posted 5/17/2006 9:39:55 AM

 

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