We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brian Sicurella a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brian , thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Since I was unhoused I used photography to distract my self from my situation and to capture moments of beauty and interest in my surroundings. It gave me a sense of purpose and allowed me to express myself creatively. Photography also provided a way for me to document my experiences and memories during that difficult time. By focusing on the moments I captured through my lens, I was able to find some peace and clarity amidst the chaos of homelessness.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I took up photography because I was unhoused. for me it was an outlet to convey my thoughts and feelings by taking and sharing photos. It was also a tool for documentation and advocacy for other people going through the same situation. my organization is Heart of The Streets Photographer. My Mission statement is…Through photography, we capture the energy and essence of the streets. Our aim is to showcase the diversity of people, cultures, architecture, and landscapes that make up our urban environment. We believe that every corner of the city has a story to tell, and by sharing these stories through our photographs, we can inspire others to appreciate their surroundings in new ways.
Whether you are an experienced photographer or just starting out, we welcome all levels of skill and experience.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

the most rewarding aspect of being a creative artist is the feeling of self-fulfillment and personal growth that comes from constantly exploring, experimenting, and pushing the boundaries of one’s own creativity. It’s about finding and expressing your unique voice and vision through different mediums and forms of art, whether it is painting, music, writing, or any other medium. The ability to evoke emotions in others through your work, inspire them, and connect with them on a deeper level is also incredibly rewarding. Ultimately, being a creative artist allows you to share something meaningful with the world and leave a positive impact on people’s lives.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One time i was on a trip to LACMA a art museam downtown Los Angeles, As I was putting my camera away, someone bumped into me from behind and knocked it out of my hands. The camera hit the pavement with a sickening crunch, and when I picked it up, I saw that the lens was shattered. My heart sank as I realized what had happened – this person had deliberately jostled me and damaged my camera. To add insult to injury, they didn’t even apologize, instead just walking away without a word.

As much as I wanted to give up and wallow in my frustration and anger, I knew that wasn’t an option. After all, I had come all this way to document my journey and create memories I could cherish forever. So, I took a deep breath and tried to think of solutions. i decided to save up for a new camera.    

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bms2100.weebly.com
• Instagram: @heartofstreetsla

Image Credits
Heart of The Streets Photographer