by Sarah McGowan
Content/Photo Editor, The WIP
- USA -
Recently relocated to Los Angeles, artists Kim Strouse and Joseph Michael Lopez are no strangers to the often aggressive nature of both “big city” life and life itself.
by Sarah McGowan
Content/Photo Editor, The WIP
- USA -
Denise and Esteban, both in their early 50’s, moved into my apartment building eight months ago. Our first encounter occurred in the hallway while I precariously lumbered up the 53 stairs leading to my apartment on crutches, my leg in a cast. Their moving boxes dominated our shared landing and while at first I flushed with frustration, both were so instantly compassionate, offering their assistance and clearing out of the way, that I immediately forgave the transgression.
When they invited me into their apartment months later, I was enthralled by the beauty of their home and the artifacts they had collected on their many travels.
Denise and Esteban had relocated from another large city, where both had worked for over a decade with the homeless population on Skid Row, Denise as a psychiatric nurse and Esteban as an advocate. When referring to his 17 years on the Row, Esteban demurred, “It’s not that long, really.” An interlude in Mexico had found the couple contented personally, but the reality of a paycheck had brought them back to California and their respective professions.
by Sarah McGowan
Content/Photo Editor, The WIP
- USA -
Dec. 27 - As we approach the new year, we thought it appropriate to revisit our editors' thoughts as we prepared to launch in March 2007. - Ed.
I don’t believe in accidents; I think that everything happens for a reason. So when Kate told me about a project she had brewing called, The WIP, I felt the familiar twinge of serendipity. The hair on the back of my neck even stood on end.
I had just moved to Los Angeles, leaving behind a very fulfilling career teaching social justice to thousands of San Diego county teenagers. With more than a little wistfulness, I set out in search of an outlet for my creativity, but specifically to do some writing. When Kate began describing The WIP, I immediately registered that this was an amazing opportunity to blend two interests that had previously competed for my exclusive devotion. I knew then that I was in the right place at the right time and I volunteered without hesitation.
