Stranger #30 - Norman

Norman was having a 5 minute sit down at Grey's monument, Newcastle before heading off to spar.... not the corner shop - but the boxing ring :)

 

He told me he was a recovering alcoholic and drug addict and his arms were covered in self-harm scars.

 

He was plastered from head to toe in tattoos which he described as his 'new addiction.' He explained how they covered up the scars on his arms, and helped him forget a very miserable past.

 

Norman isn't working, but keeps himself as busy as possible. The boxing helps him stay fit and keeps him focused. He allowed me to inspect the tattoos on his head. On the back was a 'devil child,' screaming, and on the top of his head was a 'green man' - a symbol of peace. Sounds like the past and the present to me for this tough looking, but very vulnerable man.

 

Thanks for your time Norman. I enjoyed my chat with you and wish you all good things for the future.

 

Norman is #30 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

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