Meet Brian Sicurella | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brian Sicurella and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brian, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic carrer to cope with my situation. Despite being homeless, I discovered that art was a way for me to express myself and escape from the harsh reality of living on the streets.

Art became like therapy to me. It allowed me to express emotions that I couldn’t put into words and gave me a sense of purpose when everything else seemed bleak. Creating something beautiful out of nothing was empowering and reminded me that I had talent and potential despite my circumstances.

Today, I am no longer homeless, but art remains an integral part of my life. It continues to bring me joy, healing, and personal growth. My experience has taught me that even in the darkest of times, there is hope, and sometimes all it takes is one small spark to ignite a fire within oneself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I got to where I am today with the help of a few non profits including not not limited to My Friends Place and A Million Drops. They provided me with valuable support and resources that helped me navigate through difficult times. Their programs, services, and mentorship helped me develop skills and confidence that I needed to pursue my goals.

At My Friend’s Place, I received basic needs support such as food, and hygiene products. The staff also assisted me in applying for jobs and housing options. They have a variety of programs, including educational and art classes, therapy, and health care.

A Million Drops provided me with access to counseling and workshops focused on personal and professional development. It is an organization that helps youth in need via creative expression. All their sessions were tailored towards improving our self-esteem by finding passions outside of stress-inducing environments.

Both organizations believed in me when it felt like no one else did. With the ongoing support from both non profits, I am now able to support myself and others who are experiencing similar struggles.

I deeply appreciate the efforts of these two organizations and many more across the world doing their part in building resilient communities.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would show them the true beauty of Los Angeles as it has so much to offer. I would take them to the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory for breathtaking views of the city, drive along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway to see stunning beaches such as Santa Monica or Venice Beach, visit the Getty Center and Getty Villa for art and architecture wonders, explore the beautiful gardens of Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, enjoy a fun-filled day at Universal Studios Hollywood, immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of downtown LA’s Chinatown and Little Tokyo, try out delicious food from diverse cuisines at the Grand Central Market, and end the day with a peaceful stroll on Venice Canals.

I would also want to show them some hidden gems like The Last Bookstore, an iconic bookstore that houses books in tunnels and arches; Point Dume State Beach, a quiet beach with crystal-clear waters and great hiking trails; The Broad museum, which showcases contemporary art; Watts Towers, an impressive artwork made entirely of found objects by Simon Rodia; and sunset hikes through Runyon Canyon Park, which offers panoramic views of the city.

Los Angeles is truly a diverse and beautiful place, and I am sure my guests would love all that it has to offer!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shout out to my friends Maike Both and Andrew Froemming I don’t know where I would be today if they hadn’t helped me mentally and emotionally when I was homeless and going through a tough time. They offered me support and love when I needed it most, and I am forever grateful for their kindness. Maike and Andrew are true friends who have shown me that the power of friendship can help you overcome any obstacle in life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Website: www.bms2100.weebly.com

Instagram: @heartofstreetsla

Facebook: Heart of Streets Photography Group

Image Credits
Heart of The Streets Photographer