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My Oak Parker Project took a long break but now I am back to finish it. I had originally planned on 52 portraits in a year. I didn't get 52 finished in the year. Some people were not available and I have two young kids and a small business so not really surprising that I didn't whip it out. But I did meet a lot of very cool and inspiring people, and I got kinda attached to the number 52. And so I am back at it.

Tony at Tony's Shoe Repair in number 41 and I have a list that would put me at about 70. Over the next month or two I hope to finish with 52 (or not 52, either way is good).

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If you haven't been to this place you should check it out. It's pretty awesome. So I was privileged to get into the back room where it all happens, but just going down the stair off Oak Park Ave. is an experience in itself. It's a little like stepping back in time even though this a thriving current business.

One of the very first portraits in the project was of John at Pieritz Stationary and the feel of these stores remind me of each other. 

I love the tiny space, the chemicals, the smoke, all the personality.

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I have a few more lined up but if there is someone who stands out to you as an Oak Parker I'm always open to suggestions. It about a half and half project, half the people are people I pick and half have been recommended to me.