Boxdale(2)
Lately I've been working pretty closely with Memphis artist extraordinaire and homie Brandon Marshall on a mural for the newest addition to the Memphis City School system (or whatever the school system will be called) in Fox Meadows (Hickory Hill). Being involved is especially sentimental to me because a) Jackie luvs da kidz and b) the new school is located directly behind the house I spent my later childhood- early adulthood in. I don't visit my parents (who still live in that house) nearly as much as I should, so when we started to canvas the area for inspiration it was like a homecoming of sorts for me.
After walking and riding around the area for a few hours we found ourselves parked outside of what was left of the Boxdale Apartments. Located at the corner of Winchester and Boxdale, the property was once a sprawling luxury apartment complex just like many complexes in the area were. And just like many complexes in the area, time had not been kind. Nor had its former (maybe even present) inhabitants. We walked in the gate and sidestepped a pile of mattresses while I told Brandon about my former escapades there. The complex at one point was seized by the Memphis Police Department's Organized Crime Unit (it had become overrun with gangs, drugs and all that good stuff) and several doors and windows still bear the roughly stenciled labels left behind. The complex seemed abandoned and we made our way through the front section in awe of what we leave behind. We turned a corner and saw a group of 4 sitting outside of 'their' 'apartment'. Two guys, a woman, and a huge, white, pit bull. We locked eyes, mutually wondering what the hell the other were doing there. We nodded, they nodded. Brandon complimented the pit while I kept my camera to my side, silently saying, "I don't see shit, Bro.."
We went along our way but you could feel the eyes on our backs. We walked quietly for a moment, ears tuned for the sudden charge of man or beast from behind. The reality set in quick that nobody would find you there. At least no time soon. After pushing a little further into the abyss off discarded tires, furniture and partially burned buildings we saw a black cat eying our path. Say what you want about omens and their validity but I was not going to test theories that afternoon. I suggested that we leave. We did so promptly.
Boxdale(2)
Lately I've been working pretty closely with Memphis artist extraordinaire and homie Brandon Marshall on a mural for the newest addition to the Memphis City School system (or whatever the school system will be called) in Fox Meadows (Hickory Hill). Being involved is especially sentimental to me because a) Jackie luvs da kidz and b) the new school is located directly behind the house I spent my later childhood- early adulthood in. I don't visit my parents (who still live in that house) nearly as much as I should, so when we started to canvas the area for inspiration it was like a homecoming of sorts for me.
After walking and riding around the area for a few hours we found ourselves parked outside of what was left of the Boxdale Apartments. Located at the corner of Winchester and Boxdale, the property was once a sprawling luxury apartment complex just like many complexes in the area were. And just like many complexes in the area, time had not been kind. Nor had its former (maybe even present) inhabitants. We walked in the gate and sidestepped a pile of mattresses while I told Brandon about my former escapades there. The complex at one point was seized by the Memphis Police Department's Organized Crime Unit (it had become overrun with gangs, drugs and all that good stuff) and several doors and windows still bear the roughly stenciled labels left behind. The complex seemed abandoned and we made our way through the front section in awe of what we leave behind. We turned a corner and saw a group of 4 sitting outside of 'their' 'apartment'. Two guys, a woman, and a huge, white, pit bull. We locked eyes, mutually wondering what the hell the other were doing there. We nodded, they nodded. Brandon complimented the pit while I kept my camera to my side, silently saying, "I don't see shit, Bro.."
We went along our way but you could feel the eyes on our backs. We walked quietly for a moment, ears tuned for the sudden charge of man or beast from behind. The reality set in quick that nobody would find you there. At least no time soon. After pushing a little further into the abyss off discarded tires, furniture and partially burned buildings we saw a black cat eying our path. Say what you want about omens and their validity but I was not going to test theories that afternoon. I suggested that we leave. We did so promptly.