Summer has always seemed like the shortest season to me. It's true that time flies when you're having fun, but I never saw summer vacation months the same way since I've graduated (because they no longer exist). This year, summer flashed by and I haven't had as much time to go on photo-ventures. So, before August is completely over, before Labor Day officially marks the end of summer, I ventured my way out to the one and only Coney Island.
Though Coney Island is not a new place to be, I still find it thought provoking, fun and a place I can find inspiration. I'm not always there for the rides, definitely not there for the beach, nor am I there to see fireworks in the summertime. This year in particular, I went for the art-- walls and walls of ART. Per usual, I went early so I could beat the crowd. Below are just a few of the ones that captivated me, but there are at least 30+ walls to see.
This isn't just "street art." It's beyond that. It's a compilation of work from several artists, some that happen to be graffiti and street artists, but many are contemporary with a voice about this generation. It is lively, and it just happens to be murals in the streets.
And the best part...Smorgasburg is at the center of it all, surrounded by the vibrant work. I circled the area twice and of course because the sun was beaming, I chose a chair under the shady umbrella and entered an inviting conversation with a dear friend, discussing everything that was in our vision before us, and our vision of the future.
This summer has been filled with deep thought about whether destiny exists, and whether I truly have control over the path that I take. Do I choose to go down that road, or do I take that road only to see where it leads me? It's a lot of thinking and overthinking, but I've learned that this is probably every twenty-something. The waters are murkier, but all I can do is let go of the rope and let my life float on. Where to next? I haven't a clue. I didn't know exactly where these murals were located in Coney Island, but I walked the boardwalk, visited the Wonder Wheel and eventually found what I was looking for all along, after a wander down another street.
Forget the map, leave it at home. There's nothing you can do except take life one day at a time. Even when there aren't any more classes to take, life is schooling me year after year.
...and we'll all float on OK.
<3,
Laura
