I grew up poor in suburbia and was homeschooled (I'm perfectly functional socially and exceptionally street-smart despite stereotypes). I had a career as a tile installer for almost 5 years. My other ongoing career is as an artist. I've done gallery work, been in shows, had poetry published, performance art, etc. I've taken any opportunity I can to keep doing what I've found to be my passion in life.

My first experience traveling was in 2017 when I went to Europe and lived on the road with a friend for 3 months till we ran out of money and went back to the US. We bought (and owned) a car to facilitate our travels, the internet told us it couldn't be done but we proved otherwise.

I can talk about anything related to art, film/books/art history and culture/music/philosophy, etc. Also things like comic books and video games.

One of my more eccentric hobbies is 'urban exploration'. I've been to a lot of abandoned places (more focus on residential than big empty industrial places where everybody goes) and found it to be a sort of modern social archeology. Also a bit of mystery solving, reverently digging through forgotten lives.

I enjoy finding places or experiences that most people overlook.

PHILOSOPHY:

The best way to help yourself is to help others.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My current travel goal is to explore Florida/South Beach on an investigative journalism project of my own volition. A very important clothing brand (and unfortunately obscure) was born there, and if you know, you know.

I'm hoping to find people who were associated with the brand and learn more about the scene/community that was built around the brand. It's a story about the people and the place that's inspired me in my life on a daily basis.

I'm considering moving to Ohio with a close friend to start a life there that's a part of an urban revitalization project that will allow me to focus on my art as a means of helping people. Learning about the community in Florida and it's relation to this brand will be an extremely helpful experience.

"FEELIN' SATISFACTION FROM THE STREET CROWD REACTION"

Interests

• writing
• books
• poetry
• fashion
• photography
• vegan
• running
• gardening
• thrifting
• reading
• painting
• drawing
• investing
• live music
• opera
• hiking
• camping
• urban exploration
• graffiti
• guns
• vinyl records

Music, Movies, and Books

For music I'm just going to list some of my favorite concerts I've been to: Snowing, Death Grips (x2), Ween, Slowdive.

One of my favorite films of all time is Brazil. I'm also down with campy 80's movies, fringe art films, and poorly dubbed kung-fu.

Currently reading everything David Foster Wallace wrote.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Slept on the street in NYC. (Twice).

What I Can Share with Hosts

I have specialized experience as a Tile installer and general knowledge of handyman work. Always happy to help.

I've seen a therapist for 5 years, and my tile boss was big on self-improvement, so I've come a long way personally and would be happy to help others reach their goals and improve their quality of life.

I've got plenty of stories, you'll just have to ask. From my European travels, daily workdays meeting interesting customers, to near death experiences and what I remember of my years spent 'out in the weeds' etc.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, San Marino, Scotland, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States