NYC FOCUSED BY HOLLIS MONK THAYER
Hey everyone, welcome to Focused. In this new monthly series, we want to give photographers the platform to showcase city locals through their lenses. What better way to experience a place than through the people who bring its streets to life?
To start us off, we have Hollis Monk Thayer.
Hollis Monk Thayer is a fiction writer and film photographer living and working in New York City. He co-hosts the film photography podcast Emulsions. When not watching black-and-white French movies from the 1960s, you can find him complaining about how NIL and the Portal have ruined college basketball.
We asked Hollis to walk the streets of NYC, photograph the locals who caught his eye, and ask them some questions.
Aanya Arora
What makes you happy in life? - “Animals and all the life on earth makes me really happy. I am so grateful to share the earth with so many amazing creatures.”
Where do you want to be in five years from today? - “Five years from today I hope I’m still working on my own practice as a painter and printmaker. I hope to still find joy and meaning in making.”
Why are you in NYC? - “I live in NYC because I get to meet so many likeminded yet different individuals. Where I grew up, there wasn’t much space for art or really anything beyond STEM. I’m able to facilitate so many meaningful conversations and connections here, it just feels so much better. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to move here.”
Ashi Sood
What makes you happy in life? - “The simple things. Being surrounded by my friends. Being able to laugh until my stomach hurts. Playing with my dog and cat. Getting lost while listening to music. Going to raves. Falling in love. And obviously a sugar free Redbull.”
Where do you want to be in five years from today? - “In five years I want to be working for the FBI as a Special Agent. Preferably still living in New York, but I’ll be happy in any big city. I want to have travelled all around the world. I definitely want to have a dog and maybe a cat. I want to be happy and living my best life. Taking every risk and living life to the fullest.”
Why are you in NYC? - “I am here for college and to further my career. It has always been my dream to live in NYC, and I am involved in the criminal justice field, so being in a big city like New York is exactly where I belong.”
Diana Sanz
What makes you happy in life? - “The simple pleasures make me happy in life. Whether it be laying on the grass on a warm sunny day or hearing my son’s laugh. I really value the little things in life.”
Where do you want to be in five years from today? - “In five years, I see myself being A doula in another country assisting mothers in bringing their babies earth side. Living happily with my son and potentially a husband.”
Why are you in NYC? - “I came to NYC for work. I’m a model and have been working for 8 years.”
Itana Lois
What makes you happy in life? - “Seeing art and making art is what makes me happy in life.”
Where do you want to be in five years from today? - “Five years from today I want to be in Europe doing something I love.”
Why are you in NYC? - “I’m in NYC because the art scene is so rich and full of life.”
Jade
What makes you happy in life? - “What makes me happy in life is living life. I know that sounds so cliche but I feel if I don’t live in the moment am I even living at all? The present life is filled with beauty and feeling that the day can be anything.”
Where do you want to be in five years from today? - “In 5 years it’s hard to say… I want to do so many things. I’d definitely love to model for Vogue or with Ford Models. There’s a lot more that I want but I’ll keep it simple.”
Why are you in NYC? - “I was born here!! One of the greatest places to grow! There is so much opportunity everywhere you go. The diversity here is beautiful and the culture is heart warming. NYC is the place to truly make your dreams a reality.”
Roxana Santana
What makes you happy in life? - “Being able to express myself whether it be through fashion or art or anything.”
Where do you want to be in five years from today? - “I strive to be better. A better person and environment wise by the ocean somewhere would be nice.”
Why are you in NYC? - “NYC is where I was born and growing up I always enjoyed being in the city — so here I am.”
Yeimy Yulitza Guevara Castro
What makes you happy in life? - “Happiness comes from the small moments, meaningful connections and personal growth. Also the warmth of the sun, the joy of accomplishing a goal and enjoying time with your loved ones. It comes from laughter, kindness and appreciating life as it is. ”
Where do you want to be in five years from today? - “I hope to be working on exciting creative projects, expanding my skills and making an impact through my work.”
Why are you in NYC? - “Because NYC is the perfect place to grow in any aspect. It’s where the inspiration and innovation happens.”