Bumblebee Loves You

“When we were children, we used to think that when we were grown-up we would no longer be vulnerable. But to grow up is to accept vulnerability. To be alive is to be vulnerable.”

This is a quote from Madeleine L'Engle that I included in an email when I first reached out to Bumblebee. Somehow I got his email address through friends in Downey who like me, noticed his street paintings around town. We met up and clicked over the theme of keeping the inner child alive. I followed him around for a year, capturing the process of him working on various projects, murals, and shows to encapsulate that theme. In following him around, I learned what a true artist is by witnessing his incredible discipline and work ethic. I'll always be grateful for the friendship and trust he gave me to tell his story.