Tagged

Stephanie Hayes: ST. PETERSBURG

Here is Julian Grimes' fantasy:

He lives in New York City, a splattered Bohemia where both street art and rules have gray areas. By day, he and his girlfriend run a "culture shop" where people buy art, vinyl records, vintage clothes or nothing if they're broke.

At night, sneaking outside and rattling a spray paint can isn't out of the question.

Here is Julian Grimes' reality:

At 22, he spends 75 hours a week inside Central Deli, a minimart on Central Avenue. He rings up cigarettes and beer and potato chips and ham sandwiches. He makes $7.50 an hour.

He can't move to New York. He is shackled to this city, because he literally painted himself into a corner.

Getting out — growing up, really — is complicated.