I usually use my “Pride of Milwaukee” posts to single out some person who I think needs a little more attention–people like Tim Cigelske, the Miltown Kid, Frank Ford, Nicole Reid, and Katie Donoghue. Opening the focus a bit, sometimes these posts have been about groups of people or organizations, like NICE photographers, Menomonee Valley Partners, and Diners of Milw. Today though, my emphasis is even more expansive. Milwaukee itself is today’s subject.
This city has been my home for 19 years now; I’ve lived on the North Shore, on the East Side, in Bay View, in Riverwest, back to Bay view again, and have finally bought a home with my lovely wife in Piggsville/Valley Park. My life experiences have shown me a lot of Milwaukee; my work experiences as an independent photographer have allowed me to see portions of Milwaukee I wouldn’t have come across on my own. I’ve spent time in various diners, at Koz’s Mini-Bowl, have climbed to the top of City Hall during a rain shower, observed free art instruction in our county parks, met the crew at SweetWater Organics and at Flagship Label, and made portraits of countless people. I see people who are creative, inventive, inspired, altruistic, concerned, friendly and working hard to make this world a better place. So many of the people I’ve met realize that changing the world means making a difference right here in Milwaukee.
Damn, Milwaukee, you are INSPIRING. I know you’ve got problems that need addressing, but I really believe that your positives outweigh your negatives, that your future is bright and the people who live here understand that every day is another day to make a difference, another chance to change things for the better.
Thanks for being my home,
Troy
p.s.-click here for “part 2”