god's mistake
brian
san francisco
september, 2009

an old black lady tries to save our souls. she mourns the smell of burning flesh and damnation. brian says she's unwelcome in our conversation and she scoots along like she knows something.

the three years have taken something more than time. i've seen the pieces fall. or maybe just their absence. but he's less and more than he was when we met. or just different. the magic is more real and the ground is a further fall each time.

i remind him he needs to keep safe. last i saw him he was beat up by some guy trying to have his way. he says he's been partially turning into a crocodile at night, so that helps.

he says he tries not to feel like a victim but life and people seem to prey on him.

says it would be best to just start over. but he's not sure how. says he knows it's as much him as anything. "my life's this way because i don't fix it."

"...but you could also say it's god's mistake. maybe he just made me wrong."


The_Photo_Boy says: nice one, great shot! -- 07:15AM, September 04, 2009.
chrisop says: GREAT!!!love the view! -- 07:48AM, September 04, 2009.
,,,,., says: nice portrait -- 07:50AM, September 04, 2009.
muskva says: sad and beautiful and words underneath compliment the picture so well, as always.. -- 08:21AM, September 04, 2009.
*jos* says: awesome portrait -- 08:30AM, September 04, 2009.
danshill says: Inspirational stuff again Stoneth. Keep up the good work. -- 08:41AM, September 04, 2009.
dew X machina says: I love your bws and the stories that come along with them; keep it up. -- 08:53AM, September 04, 2009.
The Derek says: Awesome! -- 09:12AM, September 04, 2009.
Miguel A. D. says: Fabulosa toma con un sensacional trabajo. Saludos -- 09:40AM, September 04, 2009.
zrep says: excelente -- 12:13PM, September 04, 2009.
AlexRuz says: Heartwrenching. -- 12:53PM, September 04, 2009.
Derek T. says: What a story. Jesus. Thank you for sharing that, and I'll keep him in my thoughts.. -- Seen in my contacts' photos. (?) -- 01:09PM, September 04, 2009.
lookseebynaomifenton says: What a powerful image. -- 01:21PM, September 04, 2009.
* Ahmad Kavousian * says: Great portrait, more great caption -- 01:49PM, September 04, 2009.
spikeblacklab says: Very moving, as are all your shots. You show everyone their humanity and vulnerability. -- 02:13PM, September 04, 2009.
brents pix says: such intensity in his expression. -- 02:27PM, September 04, 2009.
Wildwildwestcowboy says: I love your work . You've got soul man. There ain't no other way to put it. You make me believe it is plain and simple , "We all need each other." -- 02:32PM, September 04, 2009.
.:Mundo Caótico:. says: nice portrait -- 04:27PM, September 04, 2009.
lahijadeunminero says: Great lighting and portrait! Congrats on Explore! -- 05:43PM, September 04, 2009.
RebeccaHerem says: Ah, it's been too long since I last lurked your photostream. Still making enrapturing images, I see. I really commend you on your captions, too. -- 08:12PM, September 04, 2009.
misha rogov says: I like both the shot and the words -- 11:15PM, September 04, 2009.
paladinsf says: powerful -- 03:21PM, September 05, 2009.
original_ann says: punched in the gut by this one. -- 10:50AM, September 14, 2009.
basilly says: evocative. those eyes. -- 03:39AM, September 15, 2009.
Zeroth says: The streets are like a black hole. Some people are sucked in, consumed, and destroyed in mere moments. Yet others seem to last forever and slowly fade, crack, and become transparent like old pavement. Once you are there, it is difficult to leave. The longer you are there, the more impossible it gets. Even when life gives you a chance, you can get sucked back in again. I knew many like Brian -- 02:41AM, September 20, 2009.
phrenzel says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called The Inspiring Photograph, and we'd love to have this added to the group! raw emotion, strong image one heck of a story! -- Seen on your photo stream. (?) -- 06:53PM, September 23, 2009.
she want revenge says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called The empire of the soul, and we'd love to have this added to the group! -- 02:50PM, September 29, 2009.
DebShiny says: oh my gosh..what about HIM?? -- 02:47AM, September 30, 2009.
wd9hot says: Those eyes say volumes, -- 08:57AM, December 03, 2009.
ElenaGavro says: Hallo, This photo and its author are kindly invited to join the group Collectibles vs Digital! -- 06:20PM, March 11, 2010.
Cosmin Savu says: great portraiture ! powerfull words ! excellent set ! -- 09:23AM, May 26, 2010.
Marco Gavelli [Mr_BaKery] says: ...great project! You're my idol! -- 09:05AM, June 23, 2010.
Az (Se Irim) says: What a story. Great portrait. -- 08:30PM, August 16, 2010.
KUHL PHOTO says: man these are powerful portraits...you can tell that you take the time and get to know them a little and that your work is not exploitive. You seem to care about your subjects, which must be necessary to do real work like this. These are sad people, and it reminds me of the terrible side of society and the cruelty only possible in humanity. Hopefully the voice you give them and the kindness and dignity you show will be of some good. thanks for sharing your work - not many could do this type of work. -- 04:50AM, April 19, 2011.
amberglowphoto says: Great shot - reminds me of Brad Pitt in Fight Club! -- 07:48PM, October 03, 2011.
stoneth says: Thank you- and I can see that:) -- 05:24AM, October 04, 2011.
Persodan says: ♥ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ Great portrait and great set ! Love your work Les ombres de sable -- 07:57AM, October 15, 2011.
mju.tabor says: every single one of those portraits is great, and soulful, and touching and i am always wowed when i visit your stream, but often i can't find the right words, so this is just to let you know you keep me in awe with your work. thank you for sharing it, and for sharing the stories. -- 06:42PM, May 07, 2012.
luca marella says: Fantastic portrait -- 06:34AM, August 20, 2012.
thanks for +500 000 views says: Emotion! -- 04:40PM, April 26, 2015.