#romantic lowlife fantasies

[laurajunekirsch]

Last month I curated my first show for Greenpoint Open Studios and it was so much fun! Featuring work from LPX, Miles Shelton, Russ Rubin, Mary Shah and work from my book Romantic Lowlife Fantasies. Big thanks to Bechdel Project for hosting us - all pics by me (Laura June Kirsch). 

Keychains, prints and books up for sale on my site - buy here!

[nevver]

Romantic Lowlife Fantasies, Laura June Kirsch

[goldonronnie]

Check it out

[art]

Artist Spotlight: Laura June Kirsch

Laura has had a love for photography since the age of five. She has been active on Tumblr for twelve years now and has captured many raw moments for us at multiple events throughout those years. She’s been working on a book for over a decade, and the time has finally come to release it into the world! We checked in with Laura to tell us about her book, advice she has for young photographers, and her love for Tumblr. Check it out.

When did you realize that photography was something you wanted to do professionally?

I’ve always loved photography; it is a passion of mine. I’ve been shooting since age five and majored in photography at SVA. The plan was to work in music, but when I graduated, the recession hit, and getting a job was tough. I did not get one full-time job I applied for! As social media boomed, more photographers and content were needed, and I naturally started getting hired for these jobs. I didn’t think I could get work as a photographer—it was a happy accident that it worked out as my career.

Has evolving technology changed your process at all?

Outside of the digital shift from film (I held onto film as long as I could), not much, honestly! The sharing of photography and presenting of work has changed, though, for sure.

What brings you satisfaction in your work?

I love connecting with people and capturing raw/honest moments. When I get that perfect “decisive moment,” it’s a great feeling. Revisiting a great photograph never gets old for me.

What’s been the most challenging part of publishing a book?

When I first started shopping this project around in 2019, I was told a lot of discouraging things that I eventually ignored—like that I would need to have a major celebrity writer attached to the book and a huge Instagram following to get a publisher. I assumed you would land a publisher, and the writers would come later in the project. It all seemed like a crazy roadblock—how would an average person procure a celebrity for a project with no publisher? My book is all about the people at events, and celebrity culture is so far removed from my work and lifestyle.

The mass Instagram followers expectation drives me nuts. It’s a bummer people focus on that for evaluating work. It’s no secret that a large portion of creatives buys their followers, and I won’t play that game. Authenticity is key to me, and paying for a faux following negates that completely. It’s never crossed my mind to go that route. I think the whole public display of these interactions is bad for mental health and society overall. It’s very “Black Mirror.”

One thing I love about TUMBLR is how they don’t show those numbers and keep it about the content and community. I wish other platforms would follow this model. Ironically, I have a huge following on this platform.

Eventually, I followed my heart and started looking for a publisher sans celebrity or massive IG audience. My awesome publisher, Hat & Beard Press, saw the potential in the work and how passionate I was about this project and the communities portrayed in it. That’s what should matter in an art project! Stay true to who you are, and don’t let anybody stop you from speaking your truth.

What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?

Be yourself and go with your gut. The second you start doing things to go with the status quo, you lose yourself. Make sure you are making work that you love, not what you think other people will love. You deserve to get paid. Don’t be afraid to say no to jobs that think otherwise. Walking away is the hardest but most important thing without proper compensation. Taking pictures is a job and a skill; clients are acquiring intellectual property. That is valuable, and so are you!

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of this book! This has been a dream of mine since my high school photography class. I started shooting this project in 2008 and editing it down in 2016. It’s been 13 years in the making. I am so happy with how it shaped out and can’t wait for the world to see it. The amount of time and energy put into this book is insane. The term “labor of love” has taken on a completely new meaning. So yes, I am very proud of this and staying true to my vision.

You can pre-order Romantic Lowlife Fantasies right here!

This interview has been condensed for clarity.

[nelldefaria]

《 ABOUT ―

ALIAS: Janelle Nell M. De Faria 

BIRTHDATE & AGE: November 11th | 27

AFFILIATION: Civilian | Waitress at Burton Place

FACECLAIM: Kiana Maderia 

《 INTRO-ish ―

Meet JaNelle. Born and raised right here in Chicago as an only child who lived with her mom and her aunt while her dad pretty much eff’d off elsewhere across the country for reasons unknown to her. No love lost, she grew up in a happy home despite that, and hasn’t really put much thought much into it whenever it came down to him. Has fully been aware that people just suck and that there isn’t much a person can do about it if the other person isn’t willing. 

Spent most of her childhood jumping fences, hanging out in bodegas, and making music anyway she could. Hyperactive and a klutz. She’s had plenty part time jobs, broken noses resulting from petty fights, and could easily be considered a mild kleptomaniac. Professional eye-roller and best person you’d ever want to do karaoke with. 

Can play quiet a few instruments but the drums are really her thing. She was in band for a couple of years but she also was in few music programs within the city that genuinely thought she had the natural talent to be better if she put in the work for it but Nell being Nell let people get into her head and make her think this was just something for fun, to keep her off whatever was happening in the streets, and keep her focus in school. It also didn’t help that she had an ex at the time who would occasionally get her to skip practices to smoke weed in store parking lots. Showing up red eyed and high when you’re supposed to a shiny example of your school during game season was just a fat no. Til this day Nell still doesn’t get how she wasn’t kicked off. 

The ex is kind of the main reason why Nell is still living in Chicago instead of her original plan of following Brielle up to the East Coast and going up to Boston for college ( while Brielle hit up RI ) since the ex got into her head that she should stay with them after graduation so they could live out some fantasy of eventually moving in together once they got the money for it. Lowkey pressured Nell to do more when it came to their $$$ issues while they sat at home and smoked weed and played games all day with their friends as she worked. 

Her mom was 100% not here for that shit so that caused some problems, but Nell was so stupidly in love with this person that she was willing to risk damaging her relationship with her mom for this lowlife who barely managed to get their diploma. What’s that phrase? Love makes people do stupid things? Yeah. That. 

Anyways, they’re a pos and while Nell has since broken up with them, she’s still bitter over the fact that she allowed her life to fumble when she had so many opportunities to do better. Rose colored glasses at the tme, she just blames herself for everything and has adapted a very strong ‘ I don’t really care anymore ’ attitude because of it.  

She currently works as a waitress at Burton Place but you can almost always find her somewhere across the city, usually in underground train stations or in public parks bucket drumming for extra cash or slipping a hand into a rich man’s pocket for their wallet. Girl’s gotta eat and sometimes tips just don’t cover things. 

Uhhh, still trying to flesh her out. But yeah, she’s chill. She’s just a romantic musical dumbie trying to navigate her life in her twenties. 

[if-found-return-to-gusu]

It was a normal day up until then. Summer was slowly fading into Autumn but it was still hot. The cicadas were making their final screams of the season and the air was stiff with the last dregs of August. 

 I’d gone to the skate park to let off some steam. I don’t remember what had happened. Something had pissed me off so I’d been out there for a while.

Skateboarding… It helps calm my soul. Something about the rush of air. The feel of the board vibrating beneath my feet. Separate but connected. Something I could control but not entirely. 

Even when I fall I don’t mind. Every scrape and bruise is earned. And through them I learn. 

I wonder… do I only know how to learn through pain? 

I didn’t really get much relaxation this time around though because that Jin bastard was there. Lording it over the place like he owned it. 

Well he sorta did. Or well, his family did. Not on paper or anything but they’d donated a SHITTON of money to the Rec Center that ran the place so they may as well have owned it. 

The skate park is only a small part of the compound. There’s lots of stuff to do there. Some of it you need a membership for but the skate park and a lot of other things are free to the public. 

Captain Constipation didn’t start showing up at the park until after I did. I know that because the others there told me as much. They said he used to come once upon a time but sucked at it so he claimed it was for lowlifes anyway and never came back. 

I don’t know if he was practicing in secret and just came back now that he knows how to board a bit better or if he actually just came to piss me off. 

Not sure. Don’t really care. I just know that the days he’s there I’d rather be anywhere else. 

Well that day he’d decided to pick a fight. Who knows why? Maybe the stars were in the right position. Maybe he sat down too fast and the stick up his ass got shoved even further in. 

I don’t know. 

Well I didn’t see him coming in time so he caught me off guard. He had a few other thugs with him. Roughed me up a bit but I’ve never had a fight I couldn’t win.  Well, okay they won once but that was only because of the knife. 

There was actually a bit of news coverage about that one though so I don't think he dared bring a knife again. The guy who actually stabbed me is still in jail I think but the guys who held me down still play flunky so I got a bit of revenge that day. Preeetttyyy sure I knocked out a tooth from the big one.

I remember cleaning myself up in the bathroom quick before I left. I guess that’s when they must have fucked with my board. I was on my way home when the wheel gave out. Came clean off the board. I was just cursing my luck, hoping that I at least wasn’t about to fall into the street when instead of kissing pavement I fell into something large and soft. 

Someone caught me. Someone tall and strong. They’d barely even staggered. 

I remember looking up and thinking that I must have rolled into the street after all and finally kicked the bucket because the person holding me could only be an angel. 

Sometimes I still think that. 

What else could Lan Zhan be but an angel? 

Apparently he’d been wandering around town for a while and happened to be there when he saw me fall. Caught me like I weighed nothing at all. 

After a moment of me staring stupidly at his face he cleared his throat and set me back on my feet.

Embarrassing. 

I thanked him and thanked him and thanked him. Insisted he let me treat him to ice cream to pay him back for saving me. The least I could do for my romantic handsome hero. 

He agreed but I kinda thought it was rather reluctantly. I thought he was probably only humoring me but since he said yes I was already in. 

Kinda selfish, but I was happy for the excuse to be able to look at him for longer so I wasn’t gonna back out even if he was just humoring me. 

I was fortunately able to find the wheel that had fallen off my board. Looks like it was just a loose screw and easy to repair. And a lesson not to leave my board unattended… ever.

I took him to this cute little ice cream parlor that I really love. It’s not too expensive but it’s cute and the ice cream is delicious. I was kinda hoping it’d be cute enough to get him to want to see me again but aah wishful thinking am I right? Just one of those idle fantasies that plays in your head. 

I tell him to get whatever he wants! The least I could do for my savior!

Except.

Par for the course.

My wallet was gone. 

Those assholes must have stolen it sometime during the fight. 

Just 

The whole wallet

Actually

The whole damn pocket.

Somehow I hadn’t noticed

(did thank whatever deity there was in the world that it had ripped clean and did NOT end up with me showing my boxers to the world that entire time. 

Lan Zhan paid. 

I’m still so ashamed. What kind of reward is this? I make him indulge me to buy him ice cream that HE then has to pay for?????

He said he didn’t mind. That it was fine. 

I don’t know. 

I felt so bad (still do tbh.) 

And in a moment of absolute idiotic inspiration

I asked him for his number. 

Just blurted it out. 

I wanted to be able to pay him back again. For real. So when I got paid again I could really thank him. And I told him it would be something better than ice cream. Wherever he wanted to go. 

He stared at me. At the time it was pretty intimidating. That stare. It was like standing at the doors to the afterlife waiting to be judged. 

So strange.. Now there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to feel those eyes on me again. It doesn’t matter the reason or the expression. If he looks at me it means he knows I exist. It means I occupy at least some part of his mind. 

He sees me. So I exist.

I know how crazy that sounds. I do. And it’s not like I don’t exist if he’s NOT looking at me it’s just…

I don’t know how to explain it. 

The world feels more real when I know he sees it too. I don’t know. 

I don’t know.

Anyway. He agreed after a while. I still can’t believe it. But he agreed. 

And…. well I know he told me his name, but I already told you how I was with names. I’d forgotten. 

Though this time I think it was because of all that had already happened that day. Or maybe because I couldn’t dare believe someone so beautiful would be staying in my life. 

I don’t know.

But that’s why he’s in my phone as “Ice Cream Hottie”. Because I couldn’t remember his name. 

I’m terrible. 

I called him anyway when I got paid. I was determined to hold up my end of the deal. 

He sounded as surprised to have gotten a call from me as I had been that he’d actually answered!

And beyond that he agreed to meet me for dinner!

After that we started texting. Slow at first but then more regularly.

And then he told me about his cafe and invited me to come see. (heard MianMian say his name which let me save some face.) ((Though after I called him Lan Wangji he told me I could call him Lan Zhan. I didn’t really know it at the time but that was really important. He doesn’t let a lot of people call him that. ))

The rest is history. 

I don’t know when I fell for him. It could have been instantly. 

I know it took me a long time to recognize it for what it was. 

I know what it is now. 

I won’t forget. Not his name. Not a single thing he says to me. I’ll hold each word. Each action. Each moment he looks at me. I’ll carve them into my heart for safekeeping. For comfort in the cold quiet that I can’t stand. He’ll keep me company even when he’s not there. 

Even if I never share a similar space in his heart. 

It’s okay.

Even if he never loves me like I love him. 

It’s okay. 

I already have more than I ever could have dared to ask for just for being allowed near him. Just knowing he considers me a friend. 

It’s okay. 

[deepfriedtwinkie]

Why do you think Mike/Paige is so popular? Why do you think Gareth/Laurel isn't so popular? Songs that remind you of Dimitri/Anya? Favorite AU's for Enjoltaire? Rant about Hollstein (or one of your choice if you can't). What's a meme/quote that reminds you of Rogan and/or Java Junkies?

(see, THIS shit is why you’re my favorite human)

Why do you think Mike/Paige is so popular?

Probably because they look like Apollo and Aphrodite, tbh, b/c we all know that It’s Okay To Ignore Toxic Relationships If Hot—and because of the Fake-Ass Feminist™ idea that abusive women aren’t actually abusive at all, they’re ~EMPOWERED~ and men can never be victims ever. Like nooooooo, Paige was a BADASS for her (tunnelvisioned) commitment to those (ten, not hundreds of) girls, and for calling Mike on his lie about Lina (that her tunnelvision forced him into), and for holding him accountable (by extremely literally ordering a hit on him that was successful because he flatlined). All the times she hit, threatened, or belittled him was just Girl Power!! Like, yeah, what a badass woman, Bitches Get Shit Done, yup, sure. Or mAYBE FLIP THIS AROUND AND IMAGINE PAIGE AS A MAN AND MIKE AS A WOMAN AND THEN GET PROPERLY OUTRAGED BECAUSE OF ALL THE CLEAR AND PRESENT ABUSE, YOU USED NAPKINS—THE POINT IS, Aaron and Serinda are both unfairly pretty humans, and there are lots of “feminists” who actually don’t get the fucking point at all. Hence “Paige is a badass who’s SORRY for murdering him, murder means I love you!! Can they make out for my benefit now??”

Why do you think Gareth/Laurel isn’t so popular?

Political oversaturation. BrainDead had AWFUL timing; I know they were trying to CAPITALIZE on 2016′s hyperpolitical climate, but people were already fucking exhausted by reality. Plus come on, we ALL know how hard it is in REAL life for a liberal and a conservative to ACTUALLY get along. There’s eventually gonna be some shit you can’t agree on and can’t forgive and then the whole illusion of compatibility shatters, ’cause hi, that shit MEANS something for a reason. It’s pretty fundamental in like…everything. So sure, it makes a pretty great fantasy (especially with this I mean holy Jesus fuck), but at the end of the day, you either have to hope that Gareth’s eyes opened to more issues and he switched sides after some time, or expect that you’d eventually want to punch his pretty, pretty face in (and public faith in conservatives is rightfully so low that let’s be real, it probably wasn’t gonna be the former). It’s a lot harder to ship something that relies on headcanoning that half the ship will eventually change in order to make it last. THIS IS WHY I WILL ALWAYS WANT A SPINOFF WHERE THEY BOTH ABANDON POLITICS, TRAVEL THE COUNTRY AND GET A DOG

Songs that remind you of Dimitri/Anya?

OH GOD, first of all, “At The Beginning” and the rest of the soundtrack is just obvious (and I mean the MOVIE soundtrack because I’m sorry, I HATE that they scrapped the kitchen boy thing in the musical, THAT WAS THE ENTIRE SIGNIFICANCE AND FOUNDATION BEHIND THEIR RECONNECTION, THEY COULD HAVE MADE IT WORK EVEN WITH MORE REALISM, AND WHO REMEMBERS A FUCKING GLANCE FROM CHILDHOOD? IT’S SO RANDOM AND CONTRIVED, so for ME the Broadway version is NOT actually the couple I fell in love with and I’m mad at it, HE WAS THE BOY WHO OPENED THE WALL, DAMMIT, HE COULD’VE OPENED THE WALL OF THE IPATIEV HOUSE TOO, BUT ANYWAY, THE POINT IS I MEAN THE MOVIE). “La Vie En Rose” (Edith Piaf) is a Big Vibe one. “Your Mother Should Know” (The Beatles) always makes me think of them post!movie for some reason, especially b/c I used to write a ton of fanfic about them raising kids and whatnot, and I dunno, the past/family vibes….and it’s kinda silly, maybe, but “The Ballad of John and Yoko” (The Beatles) fit them post!movie really well for me b/c I always imagined them traveling all over the world together, and the song’s kinda part fun, part escaping persecution…. Basically anything romantic got my brain back on them for a while there…. Oh, and “The Same Boy You’ve Always Known” (The White Stripes), which sounds weird on the surface, but….You fell down of course / And then you got up of course / And started over / Forgot my name of course / Then you started to remember / Pretty tough to think about / The beginning of December….??? COME ON. And I know I’m probably forgetting some.

Favorite AUs for Enjoltaire?

I am a hugantic ginormic sucker for the very popular Modern College Activist Group one. More specifically, where Grantaire first joined Les Amis because he passed by a meeting during his freshman year and heard Enjolras speaking and it set his soul on fucking fire, and he proceeded to sit in the back and sketch and heckle for a year or two until the day came where Enjolras was arrested during a protest and Grantaire tagged the cop’s car with spraypaint so that they’d arrest him too, so Enjolras wouldn’t have to go alone, *loud obvious cough,* and then in their jail cell, before ’Ferre could pay bail, Enjolras asked Grantaire why he did it, and Grantaire confessed and Enjolras kissed him, and they became their friends’ frustratingly adorable OTP. And Enjolras is emancipated from his rich, shitty, homophobic adoptive parents, but has tapes and diaries from his lovely birth mother who died, and SURPRISE, his birth father is Javert, who slowly learns to come around, see the error of his black-and-white ways, and accept, defend, and even love his son, and punches Enj’s shitty adoptive father in the face. And Enj becomes a civil rights attorney, with guidance from Javert, and R becomes a legit commissioned artist, and they eventually adopt a little girl who was born into addiction, name her Emmeline, and Javert is a shockingly good grandpa/babysitter and eVERYONE IS STILL ALIVE. (YOU ofc go here also and didn’t need me to describe all this, but I figured I’d get detailed for all two and a half people playing along at home)

Rant about Hollstein (or one of your choice if you can’t):

OKAY, WE ARE JUST SO LUCKY THAT THEY ARE STILL/EVEN A COUPLE, THOUGH. THERE IS SO MUCH “HOLY SHIT” IN THIS THING. FIRST OF ALL, THE FACT THAT LAURA EVEN WENT “YOU KNOW WHAT, I THINK I LOVE THIS CONFIRMED VAMPIRE” IN THE FIRST PLACE. LET IT NEVER BE SAID THAT LAURA HOLLIS DOES NOT HAVE COJONES. SECOND OF ALL, THE FACT THAT CARMILLA WAS SO JADED AND YET STILL FOUND THE ABILITY TO FORGIVE LAURA FOR GETTING MATTIE, HER SISTER OF LIKE NINE BILLION YEARS, LITERALLY KILLED. I TOTALLY EXPECTED THAT TO NEVER GET FIXED BECAUSE FUCKING HELL. THIRD OF ALL, LAURA LITERALLY DIED, OKAY, LIKE STOPPED LIVING. THAT’S GENERALLY JUST SLIGHTLY HARD TO REBOUND FROM. THE FACT THAT THEY EVER BECAME A THING OR EVEN SURVIVED THAT SERIES AT ALL IS JUST, YEAH, OKAY, YOU NEED TO BE TOGETHER FOREVER, BECAUSE IF NONE OF THAT SHIT STOPPED YOU, CLEARLY SOMEBODY FUCKING LIKES YOU OUT THERE.

What’s a meme/quote that reminds you of Rogan or Java Junkies?

I literally can not think of a meme that has reminded me of a ship ever. There aren’t any literary quotes or anything that spring to mind either, but the first quote from the SHOW that I associate with Rogan is “Jerk, ass, arrogant, inconsiderate, mindless, frat boy, lowlife, butt-faced miscreant!” (which isn’t the most romantic but dammit if I don’t grin like a monkey every time), and the one I associate most with Luke and Lorelai is “I just want you to know, this thing we’re doing here? Me? You? I’m in…. I am all in.” 

(HOLY SHIT THAT WAS AN EMOTIONAL RIDE, I FEEL LIKE I JUST RAN A MILE)

[norman-reedus-gossip-mod]

bulk

--mod-- you know the deal

Anon: anon people don' like her cos she cheated on 1st husband and cheated on JJ twice. She sneaked around with NR all year. She set him up last week. She told stories to the papers (this was proven actually if you look). She is rude to people and even stalked his ex girlfriends social media and liked posts to make him to be a liar. She lies herself and sets up pap shots for herself all the time. She is a fake and the reason she doesn't get much work is cos people dontlike working with her.

Anon: There is indeed a girl on twitter who says NR was with his girlfriend. Someone asked if he was alone and she answered "con su novia" (with his girlfriend).

Anon: Just my theory , norman's peeps wouldnt lie and def not sayingg " just friends" if norm knew he would dating her 2 weeks after they denied it , i think she is in love with norman and tries to get his attention as much as she can (and yes incl media) , norm know for sure she likes him so he might invited her AS A FRIEND to hangout in Spain or Barcelona (wherever they are)OR talk about stuff and thaangzzz , which i hope so he can make her mouth shut to call the media or her worthless attention. 😊

Anon: Mod what do you make of the pics with fans? Why would he take pics with fans if DK were right there? Maybe it's not even her. Maybe it was someone from the gallery. --mod-- I just assumed he was alone.

Anon: So you still think norman and diane are not dating? --mod-- Basically

Anon: sorry for English. I am so sad . Is he lie? How to trust anything from him? --mod-- Nothing's confirmed. Just suspicion and speculation

Anon: And i was about to say " i finally live happy in my Normie fantasy , hopefully that one person wont ruined it" , apparently i would say it too soon 😂 --mod-- So you're the jinx ehh anon

Anon: norman as a fuck buddy that is willing to travel to the other side of the ocean for sloppy seconds?! lol of course he denied...he doesnt have anything serious with her...what is he going to say now? oh this is my friend that i fuck now and again??like he comes like a major dishonest person regardless of their status. actually have nothing to do with that is the way he dealt with it. --mod-- Whys it gotta be sloppy tho.

Pinyah: This mean JDM agree with Norman and dk thing? --mod-- I couldn't guess

Anon: I personally didn't see the comment so maybe you can dig it up but someone on IG said the girl who took the picture of Norman and the unknown woman on his bike said it's his curator "Laurie". Again not sure if true because I didn't see her comment by myself. If she said it we could easily put the upcoming shitstorm to rest already. I sure hope it's right.

Anon: Yep Mod, look at normanreedustea. One of the girls who posted her pics with Norman was asked on Twitter if he was alone and she answered "con su novia" which means "with his gf". And why would she say this if it wasn't obvious it's his gf. Deeply disappointed and disgusted of him. No longer going to support him. Official lying is such a shame. Hope his reps and AMC are going to kick his ass for this debacle

Anon: Well ok I was in grammar school when HC(who can I just take a moment to say how cool and beautiful she is, goals people) and N were a thing, but I I highly doubt this is the same thing. Tbh up until Sky came out, I thought January Jones and DK were the same person lol All jokes aside, if this were his gf, or shit someone he bangs on the reg, wouldn't he I dunno see her more than occasionally hanging out? Like if I remember correctly didn't his child bride (CS) used to visit in GA? lmao. Mod?

Anon: To the anon that says DK stalks his exes, is this true? Cause that's a lifetime movie in the making I can totally get behind. Where's PRwife when we need her? She seems to know her shit.

Anon: I don't know who NR and DK think they're fooling at this point 😂 does anyone still believe they're not a couple?! --mod-- Me

Anon: 



Wow, a lot of people think Norman "owes" his fans the truth about his romantic life. He really, really doesn't. If you want to think he's a liar because his rep said he & DK are friends, OK. But maybe think about, if he did lie, are there reasons he might, including possibly the way fans react? Why would he put DK through that if they aren't even sure themselves if they're a couple? There are lots of reasons that he might "lie" that don't have anything to do with disrespecting fans.


Anon:

Hi mod, i just came to say goodbye and thank you for this blog <3 i think i'm done with the dk thing and i need a break from this blogs and stuff. I'm sad not because he's with her, but because he denied the rumors and, even if they are just friend (which i don't believe), he's not taking care of his reputation right now. At least he could stay away from her a pair of weeks of something, to shut the rumors, but he didn't. He deserves to be happy, i know, but i'm just done with him. Love you mod! --mod-- Well come by and say hi sometime I'll be here



Anon: 

I find it funny that Norman's people had that video removed. Shows how much we can trust him and his people.


--mod-- Who said he had his people remove it. You do realize that it had something on it the was supposed to be a surprise feature in the show right

Anon:

I don't get all the hate. He's a grown man and can be together with whom he wants. I don't like DK, but it's his private business. And he doesn't have to render an account of his private life. And if he says to the public that they aren't together to have at least some kind of privacy, that's totally fine bye me.





Anon:



Maybe I was wrong, maybe it's DK that has a magic 🐱, cause it sounds like he's risking his reputation and career on her. I just think he needs to either come clean, or she can pull the stick out of her ass and say something. I still don't think they're in a serious rs, but regardless, it's kind of shady. I mean if I had a bf and he was going to basketball games with other women and walking around acting single, I'd cut his dick off and feed it to him lol



Anon:

I don't want to shit on anybody's parade but have you guys seen the the accounts that has commented on the IG user's that posted those pic? Except maybe one or two EVERYONE shares the same things, saying the same things. It seems to be one person but with different accounts. This takes the credibility down a lot. Someone seems out to just spread gossip and ruin lives








Anon: 


Mod is it 100% confirmed that it's her? Maybe it's me but I don't think Norman would be taking selfies with Fans on the street while DK was standing beside him...?


--mod-- Nothing's been confirmed 



Anon: 


look, i always side eyed him for even being friends w her. having followed her career a bit before i even got in to TWD (after the QT movie), she just seems like a nasty piece of work, & I don't know what NR sees in her. that said, if he actually fucks someone on the DL, while getting his rep to officially deny even casually dating, then that would be as scummy a move as any desperate game she has played. possibly worse. i really hope NR is such a fucking lowlife 
and thats not to say NR can't fuck people casually, but to me, its one thing to have a fuck buddy or hook up w one nighters, its an entirely different thing to constantly have someone fly around to meet you, spend time together, fuck them on a very regular basis, and then deny that you even casually date. there is nothing wrong w saying "they go out but its not serious". its really gross to hide a woman, shuffle her around, fuck her, then say "we're just friend" while having her meet 2 fuck




Anon: Do people need their eyes checked those purses are not the same and neither are the boots go take a good look at them I swear as soon as people think it's DK they believe everything I'm giving norman the benefit of the doubt until I see her actual face

 
Anon: *Also to be fair, I can put on Twitter right now I saw Norman blowing dudes behind an Arby's, it doesn't make it true. Although he seems to be classier than Arby's, maybe In N Out?


--mod-- Dying 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣



Anon:

 DK posted a picture of her and Fabienne yesterday, and they were both at his Paris art show, so they're probably both just there supporting him for his Barcelona show



Anon:  Mod I have a theory: I think Norman has INVITED DK to the 2nd art show this time because of all the hate she was getting over the garage pics (even though it's obvious she *did* set them up) I think he's trying to show that he's still FRIENDS with her to the public. And maybe he thinks because he officially denied it that everything would be fine on his side. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. So he has to do something to clear the air AGAIN imo because this is only hurting him Anon: Ok, you can so tell that DK & NR are dating! N wants to keep it a low profile cuz he knows his fans tend to get a lil craycray and he feels bad for all the threats towards his gfs. Plus those pics from Spain... that's definitely her purse & shoes. Common. But honestly, N has gotta live his life and be happy; his true fans would support him. I may not like DK, and I doubt their relationship would last that long anyway 😂 ..but whatever. Don't let it bother ya'll too much. ✌🏻 Anon: 


Have to vent about ppl saying it's none of our business-True we have no say in what he does& he doesn't owe us explanation, but when we're spending our money buying into an image he puts forth on a regular basis & repeats in all his interviews only to find out that he isn't any of the things he claims to be, I think there's a right to be upset about who we thought we were supporting. It's not that he COULD be with someone, it's that he would have lied about it after preaching honesty. :( 





normanreedusdaryldixon32 :


I just want to say over the DK thing. 
I’ve been a fan of Norman since the boondock saints and now. I always supported him and I loved how cute, sweet, honest to his fans which he still is to his fans. In my opinion since he done the film ‘Sky’ he has changed. He says that he hates “dishonest people” but his acting like one. I do believe he deserves a woman who loves, respects, cares, supports him now matter what. But DK is not that type a girl as we all know. I hate the fact he lied to his fan or whatever. I also don’t understand 'if’ they are “friends” what kind of friend goes over to Spain to see them It doesn’t make any sense to me. I think Norman should get his head out of his ass and just think for once. Like a said before I do believe he deserve a woman that loves, cares, respects, ect. But DK is disrespectful, rude, mean, treats her fans like shit. I don’t want Norman turning into that person. Maybe he won’t turn into that person. But I just don’t get what does he see in her? DK must be so desperate. But now I’m so disappointed in you Norman. 😔





Anon: 


mod I saw on ig that norman's make up artist says she was with him today? is that true? because why would he have been riding around with dk, met with the curator and gone to a make up artist all in a day? maybe it's not dk? 



Anon: 


DK's style, behavior, and interests "suddenly changed" since she's been gunning for NR. She's seeking to trap him and she's just about there. She's as manipulative and inauthentic as they come. Hope NR thinks it's worth it, that and all the money he's going to lose to this scheming woman. Now is when he needs a true friend to give it to him straight, but everyone is afraid tip-toeing around the glaring issue. 


normanreedusdaryldixon32 : 


This is not a question: Seeing Norman on that bike with DK makes me so angry. Let me explain why because I've been a fan of Norman since the boondock saints. I loved how cute and honest to his fans. But now since he done 'Sky' he has been very disappointing lately. He says he hates people are dishonest but he acting like one. But do believe he deserves a woman who truly loves him and not just for his work or fame. But Dk is not that kind of girl she's so dishonest ect. It's disappointing Norman 




Anon: 


To the ones grasping at straws saying he didn't lie, you're leaving out the part where the denial said JUST friends. JUST meaning ONLY friends as in no romance. They also denied a romantic trip which the implications of that are a romance. But they denied the trip thereby also denying a romance. Sorry guys. He lied. 


--mod-- Question, does having say a friend with benefits, not saying that's what's going on, considered romantic?


Anon: 


So mod I respect your opinin the most. What do you make of all of that stuff with the biker girl? Do you think it's DK? And if you do, then what do think of the denial? It's very confusing if he issued a denial only to be caught redhanded with her again two weeks later. I can't figure out what he would be thinking. I also saw some fanselfies he was taking which is odd if she were with him. What do you think? --mod-- I'll be perfectly honest. I really just don't care. It doesn't matter if it's her or it's not. I think the denial still stands, I'm mean I've travel half way around the world to visit a guy friend, and no we weren't playing flesh Tetris. But again I  super unbothered and don't really care who's beast he's smothering 

Anon: 
This guy is just an ass. He is letting DK play people and he doing it as well. People hate cheaters and liars. You have both right here. Surely you don't deny the dishonesty? 



Anon: 
Mod, did you find out who it was on the bike? Was it her? --mod-- Nope




Anon: 


I'm telling you folks, if that video was taken down it was because it was bought by Reedus' folks. What a damn fool he is to risk so much on such a classless woman. Do you believe it was purchased before gossip rags got to it?

 


Anon: 


I can't stop crying. It just changes everything about him. He's not the same guy. he was so special and down to earth to me and now he is no better than anyone else in showbiz. He sells fans an image for money and he doesn't care about any of us. not really or he wouldn't have lied. He tried to trick us into thinking he wasn't with her and even released a pr statement saying they were just friends? I am so depressed i can't stop crying 


--mod-- You shouldn't cry anon. Just because he's made a few mistakes and maybe has tried to hide something, doesn't change him completely, we all do shady things in life but that doesn't change us completely. Sure he may have lied and avoided telling the truth but that doesn't negate the time and effort he gives fans. But I do understand why you feel the way you do 


Anon: 


i'm sorry to be rude but this man is ignorant as hell playing this game and clearly he doesn't realize just how this is going to back fire. He's risking it all for a tramp. DK has what she wants, attention. She is sacrificing NR in the process and he's just stupid. Hate he is such a liar and now proven to have no character at all. He made a lot of professionals look like idiots. What an asshole. What's your position Mod? --mod-- I don't have one. I'm not bothered by it.




Anon: 


Norman is a huge disappointment. Not only is he a LIAR but also a COWARD & a SNEAK. Not to mention a CHEATER!!! I lost all respect for him. He just lost a long time fan. 




Anon: 


Mod I can't even watch TWD anymore bc I hate Norman for LYING to his fans & sneaking around like we wouldn't find out. He thinks we're all stupid & doesn't give a shit about us. He disrespects his fans therefore I cannot continue to be his fan bc I need to admire & look up to someone I spend time following on IG, watching his shows, spending money on his movies, photo ops, merchandise, etc. He doesn't respect his fans so I don't respect HIM anymore. I'm done. Goodbye Mod & the nice ladies here --mod-- Farewell Dear Anon until we meet again



Anon: 


Hey Mod, I was looking at the pics and I don't think it's the same shoes as DK. If you look at the ones in the NYC pic there don't seem to be a distinct heel. The chick on the bike, her shoes have a heel you can see. Also, that's not the same backpack she has in the NYC pic. DK has a purple backpack on. The purse is the only thing that's fishy imo. 




Anon: 


It doesn't prove anything mod but I just noticed that DK's knapsack in the NYC pics are purple. The girl on the bike has a black knapsack. 


Anon: 
I kind of hope after this if he isn't giving DK the hot beef injection, he's fucking someone, cause this is crazy. If i were him I'd be putting in everyone --mod-- 🤣🤣🤣🤣




Anon: 


Is traveling across the ocean to visit him a gf thing to do? Hell yeah. But its also a wealthy person with a freelance/travel heavy career thing to do. Are they dating. I don't know but its obvious they're friends. With all that hate she gets from being connected to him this visit is a surprising choice to make but she's older than me so I guess she gives less of a crap about what bullies think. That's something to look forward to! lol

Anon: NR's reps denied the kiss rumor and the weekend rumor. This is the only official comment. There was no one saying they'd see each other ever again. 
 rebellacycle: 
Hey mod been reading all the posts on here on dk and norm . Do you think she will be at the art show if so that will be interesting. 



Anon: 


It seemed like there were quite a few fans around NR posting on twitter. If they all saw DK with him I'm surprised literally no one recognized her. Isn't she considered a famous actress and supposedly even more than NR * Anon: 


I want to cry. I believed him. I believed his denial and defended him against everything. How could he just lie like that? I know I don't know him but I never thought he of all people would do something like that to his fans. If he's really with her, I can't be his fan anymore. I don't want to watch Ride or TWD now 



Anon: 


I've always wanted Caryl to happen. I don't nos because I don't won't the beautiful MMB to have those disgusting, lying Norman lips on hers. 




Anon:

 
Oh look in that video there are two blonde ladies in black jackets. How's that for a fucking coincidence lol 




Anon: 


i hope this whole thing don't affect TWD, which ratings are already low :( 



Anon: 


Mod are we sure it's not the curator with her hair up? She has a black leather looking coat on from the vid. I know the purse and the shoes are a little bit suspicious but the hair may be just tied back and you can't see it in the pic. 



Anon: 


Uh, the NYC garage pics didn't "just happen". Diane paid Daily Mail and TMZ and tipped them off, seemingly without NR's knowledge. The accompanying articles were filed with misinformation yet somehow they know about his place upstate? So its pretty clear she wants to go public with whatever they do or don't have. IF he's sneaking around with her, he's doing it for himself because he doesn't want to even publicly acknowledge it. She clearly wants him to. That makes me kinda sad for her. 



Anon: 


Hello Mod, thank you for all you do. I always see eye to eye with you and appreciate your level head. I have never commented, but I want to say that no matter what NR & DK "relationship " is, was, whatever, or if she's in Spain or not,when his opening roles around everyone please be prepared, don't be naive, she WILL be there, taking pics, with fb and her "posse". This is about publicity for herself. I am not passing judgment, just stating what I think will occur and why. Take Care Mod. 


[laurajunekirsch]

Thrilled to have my piece Making Out In Los Angeles featured in Treat Gallery’s current show “+1(plus one)”

This image is featured in my photobook Romantic Lowlife Fantasies - buy your copy here!

[laurajunekirsch]

Thank you @vicemag for interviewing me about my book Romantic Lowlife Fantasies !

Vice was the first magazine to interview me about my photography back in 2010 (and how my sister and I "borrowed" a child mannequin we were obsessed with from a local tuxedo shop to take to my Grandmother's birthday party). What a cool full circle moment to talk to them again 13 years later as we've both evolved. Swipe through for highlights and headlines from now and then

[laurajunekirsch]

HOLIDAY DEALS! Now through 11/27 get 17% off my site with the code SALE 

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[laurajunekirsch]

Philadelphia! I am coming for you. Super excited to have been selected for this years 20/20 Photo Festival and Photo Book Fair. I’ll be selling copies of Romantic Lowlife Fantasies, prints, keychains and other fun things. 

If you can’t make it in person and would like a copy of the book you can purchase it here.

[laurajunekirsch]

Very excited to announce that I will be curating my first show next week as part of Greenpoint Open Studios. I will be there selling books, prints and other fun things!  Info below: Random Fiesta: 80s Made 90s Raised - a Greenpoint Open Studios group show of millennial artists curated by Laura June Kirsch. On June 10th and 11th from 12 to 6 pm, Bechdel Project (252 Green St), as part of their Community Space Program, will host the work of five artists who have been shaped by being a part of the last generation to experience life pre-internet. Each brings a unique, playful style and flavor to the show. Featuring work by LPX, Miles Shelton, Mary Shah, Russ Rubin and work from Romantic Lowlife Fantasies (get your copy here). 

[laurajunekirsch]

Romantic Lowlife Fantasies is officially in stock - BUY YOUR COPY HERE!

About this book:

"Romantic Lowlife Fantasies: Emerging Adults In The Age Of Hope" is the first published monograph by Canon award winning photographer Laura June Kirsch. Featuring over 85 original images, the book is a photo exploration of millennials in subcultures during the Obama era. Co-edited by Kirsch and Juxtapoz Editor-in-chief Evan Pricco, the collection examines an era of hopeful hedonism for a generation that came of age between 9/11 and a recession that put the traditional American Dream just out of reach. Featuring an introduction by Pricco and original essays by Darlene “Dee Nasty” Demorizi (comedian, actress and VICE personality), Allyson Toy (DJ Toy), Caitlin McGarry (an astrologist and wellness coach also known as Tarotgraph), Jessica Amodeo (NYU MFA Writing Alum) and a poem by Brooke Burt (NYU MFA writing Alum, formerly House Of Vans). Co designed by Laura June Kirsch and Patrick Carrie.

[laurajunekirsch]

Thrilled to be featured on the 100th episode of Radio Juxtapoz, the podcast by  @juxtapozmag

[laurajunekirsch]

NYC! Come through on Wed for a candid talk on my book Romantic Lowlife Fantasies and the magic of the mid aughts music scene. I’ll be joined by music journalists Peter Gaston (SPIN heyday alum) and Anna Gaca (Pitchfork).

RSVP Here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/laura-june-kirsch-book-signing-tickets-388718536607