Empty Spaces, No People
By Ben Brown
Keeping up tourettespodcast.com in between seasons of the podcast means occasionally dropping thoughts or shares here.
And this one's a bit off-topic -- not about Tourette -- but pointing out a great video here from impressively creative YouTuber Jamie Windsor that my brain really linked with. I'm a photographer and frequently photograph developed areas devoid of people -- a business-front in the afterhours; an empty sidewalk in front of an interesting, colorful building; places falling into disrepair in an interesting or beautiful way -- which speaks to my way of introversion, the opportunity to experience developed spaces without the pressuring vibe I often get from, or manufacture on behalf of, people.
In this video, Jamie talks about a series of images from photographer Todd Hido and the relatably uneasy feeling it conveys -- his work too focusing on places meant for people, but without directly depicting them. He does a really intimate job of it and it, via Jamie’s video, made me think about
1) why I feel uncomfortable around people;
2) why other people might feel uncomfortable in empty spaces;
3) how I might feel if I was truly alone.
My angle on this might be a bit different than Jamie’s, but that’s fine. Thinking. Would love to hear what this brings to your mind.