Artist Statement

Coney Island is a legend unto itself. The very name is used to evoke the chaotic, colorful, unrefined, bawdy, raucous, giddy, crowded, dizzying, sensory-overloading press of humanity of all races creeds and colors experiencing a wondrous time.

You can almost hear the barker shouting, “Step right up folks! She neither walks nor talks, but crawls on her belly like a crocodile!”

In any case, it is a place that I have loved all my life, beginning in childhood. I was born in Coney Island and used to say that I dropped from my mother’s womb straight into the front car of the Cyclone roller coaster!  A nickel would get me a ride on the trolley to Coney and for the rest of the day I’d use up my quarter on rides, attractions, and plenty of sweet treats. I’d earn a little more to spend by drawing portraits on the boardwalk and having spent every last nickel, hitch a ride on the back of the trolley home again. But watching was always my favorite pastime.

It is too valuable a place in the heartbeat of our country to be left uncelebrated. Over the years, the expression “melting pot” has been stunningly reflected in Coney Island’s appeal as the playground for the working class.  Here Orthodox Jews, African Americans, Italians, Russians, Puerto Ricans and folks from all over the world were drawn together by the lure of the surf, sand, boardwalks, side-shows, hot dogs, and the permission to leave go of all inhibitions.   It is classic Americana exuding the spirit of generosity and common humanity that is the best of the American spirit.

These photographs span six decades.  In 1995, on Coney Island’s 100th anniversary, ABC Nightline featured my photography as a way to celebrate this legendary place.  In spite of periodic gloomy predictions, Coney Island’s magic continues to transcend time.