first met Léo when I saw him going through the garbage and recycling bins right out the window of my office at home. I went outside to offer him some soda cans and glass bottles. Given its winter I asked him to come in. I noticed he had an interesting face, so I asked him if I could photograph him, to which he agrees. I asked him if he had a phone number, which he doesnt, so I propose to go to his apartment for additional photography. He warns me to wait a week before stopping by, his apartment being apparently unsuitable for guests. I tell him I dont mind, mess is always great photographic material.
I end up at his house this very evening, and he greets me completely nude. He immediately puts on some pants. Next comes his apartment: I have never, ever seen a mess so bad in my entire life. Dirt on the walls, things lying everywhere, cigarette buts on the floor The whole thing smelled of a horrible fusion of cigarette and sweat, all crammed in one, tiny room. I had trouble even moving through the place, and couldnt even make room for my flashes.
I talk with Léo, he is 57. His wife left him 26 years ago, but he still fondly remembers her. Hes an alcoholic, has 2 daughters, one of which hes never even seen. Hes done 15 years of jail and been a street bum in Montreal. I ask him why hes been in prison but he wont tell, finding it more suitable to tell the tale of when he stabbed his cousin. He shows me his 2 baseball bats and his enormous machete. I start to sweat and ask myself what the hell Im doing in a place like this with this guy. I convince myself not to be afraid, that theres nothing to fear. So I keep talking with him, taking pictures. As time passes by I realise he might be suffering from schizophrenia. I learn that he was in reform school at 14, I tell myself it evidently didnt work. He has this strange way of trying to dominate me, convincing me more and more that hes nothing but an old bum. I stay confident and show him that Im not scared and our relationship is on an equal basis.
His friend Sébastien arrives. If friend is the appropriate word for someone asking for money, that of which Léo has none. I use this opportunity to leave (Ive been there for more than an hour). He shakes my hand and holds it way to long and tells me hes the boss, and that hes scared of nothing. I am, though, so I leave right away. While walking back home I realised how stupid and naïve I was. Naïve to believe everyone is nice. Im scared of this guy, scared that he knows where I live. I called insurance the very next morning.
I read this story before I looked at the photo and as I read your story I could picture what must have felt/seen. And as I scrolled up to look at the photograph it kind of contradicts the story [the fact that Léo is so nonchalant.] But he does have a very interesting face. I can't stop staring at those eyes. You have great courage walking up to a stranger and asking for their photograph. Just be careful?
Have a great time everyone and please fav this article so as many people can see the featured works. I would recommend seeing each one and faving them too.
Daily Literature Deviations is a group that is dedicated to bringing literature to the forefront of the deviantArt community. We attempt to accomplish this by daily featuring Literature artists from around the community that deserve the recognition, but are not getting it. Each day we will feature 5 deviations from the Literature categories in a News Article.
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^Ikue has been a devious member of our community for almost 7 years and in this time he has proven to be nothing short of dedicated and devoted. Whilst volunteering his time over the last 22 months as a Gallery Moderator within the Community Relations Team, Chris has brought the Vector gallery and many vector artists directly into the spotlight. ^Ikue's commitment to the community is evident in everything he touches and you can always find him reaching out to others with an encouraging word. Chris is a natural leader with a vibrant and empathic personality, and is a role model for deviants everywhere. It's ev... Read More
Comments
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hey baby, I may be a Gryffindor, but something in my pants is a Slytherin
be careful.
that guy looks shadey as hell. XD
Well he helped make a very unique photo!
Good work
J'éspère qu'il ne te feras rien.
Par contre, les photos sont reussies.
Tu as pris des risques pour l'art.^^
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If you happen to be an artist who gets a lot of mail, you don't need to answer on this comment.
Unless you really have something to reply for.
And as I scrolled up to look at the photograph it kind of contradicts the story [the fact that Léo is so nonchalant.]
But he does have a very interesting face.
I can't stop staring at those eyes.
You have great courage walking up to a stranger and asking for their photograph.
Just be careful?
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