21 Jan

Time Capsule by Michael O’Neal

“Even though my parents just moved from New Jersey to Florida, they took an important part of the old house with them. Dad’s old red Craftsman is more of a time capsule than a toolbox, and it immediately transported me back to my dad’s garage. Grease, Gojo hand cleaner, old coffee cans filled with nuts, bolts, washers, and fuses of all shapes and sizes — a vivid picture with an accompanying scent. The lid to the toolbox is always open, displaying a collage of important photos adhered with yellowed Scotch tape. They hold special meaning to my dad, and now, to me. Since I can remember, my dad was always working. He would work all night as a diesel mechanic in Manhattan, driving the empty highways while I was sleeping, then go straight to another job in the morning as a freelance contractor. I remember having to tiptoe around the house when I got home from school, so as not to wake my dad. I know he did it all for me and my brothers, so we could have the things we needed to succeed. My mother always told me, “Your father has hands of gold,” but I never realized how much of an artist my dad was until I became an adult. Until now, I never realized how similar we are. Fixing cars never interested me, but I have inherited the desire to make things better and beautiful, and to create something from nothing. Dad and his toolbox taught me to be my own artist.” -Michael

Every two weeks I will release a new showcase on Pictory, and when I do, I’ll post a favorite image here to remind you to go check it out. This one is from Coming Home, an image collection of the houses we grew up in. Also, check out the awesome guest design from Tumblr member Matthew Buchanan!