THESE DAYS
Glendyn Ivin
While in L.A I stopped by These Days, a gallery and shop I really only knew via their Instagram from where I'd learnt not only about the artists they show but a little about the history of iconic building, on the corner of Winston Street and Indian Alley deep in the middle of Downtown L.A.
I wandered in and introduced myself to Stephen who runs the gallery along with his wife and miniture dog 'Mac'. One of those awkward moments that starts with "Hi, I follow you on Instagram..." but quickly turns into warm conversation. (Although it was a slightly more awkward when Stephen realised that he also followed ME on instagram but he thought I was a woman! Ha! Not the first time!).
Stephen was more than generous with his time, giving me a tour of the gallery and the history of the building, in particular Indian Alley and the encroaching gentrification of the Downtown area (which was most appropriate as Fugazi played Cashout on the shop stereo). I also browsed through Stephen's highly curated selection of new and secondhand photobooks. I could spent alot more time and alot more money there! Thanks Stephen for taking the time. Looking forward to visiting you and These Days again soon.
I took the above photo waiting for the gallery to open. For many reasons it's one of my favourite shots of late. Strangely when I'm in Australia I shoot 99% with a 50mm and when I'm in the U.S I shoot 99% with a 35mm... maybe it's the bigness that warrants it.