New York Kids
The wide-eyed youth of New York is as glimmering, adventurous, and brave as the city itself (and as they’ve ever been). In an assignment to document a sampling of the new generation, Métier asked each of the talents what brought them here and what keeps them here as a sort of homage to all New Yorkers (and to all artists) who have passed through the boroughs.
Dylan
“I’ve always imagined myself in New York. Being queer and having come from a small town I always felt I needed to go somewhere with a larger community and New York felt like that. I’ve been here 7 years and have far too many jobs all at once but my main gig is casting/scouting and bartending.”
Tobias
“Musician making sound tracks to peoples memories”
Jupiter
“I’m a storyteller, creating moving thoughts, reminding people of who they truly are when they look at their hands.”
Pasait
“I am Pasait from Gambia. I grew up in Atlanta and after high school I moved to New York to pursue my modeling career. Growing up I was always creatively curious. I’ve always liked clothes and music which I feel are synonymous to either other. I’ve always used both to translate how I feel which stick with me now. I also love music and plan on making that a career as well.”
“I came to New York for a wedding and loved it so decided to stay. New York’s intensity reminds me of my childhood home - Shanghai - a bustling city that never sleeps. Everyday in New York feels like an entire week. I am an aspiring architect, a drummer in a band in Melbourne, and a producer of group art exhibitions. Currently, I am working as a hostess as I search for jobs in design.”
Sunny
“Ichasah-Sqwallah is my birth name given to me by my grandmother. In my native language Yavapai it means Red-Tailed Hawk. That is my spirit animal and the reason why I wear so much jewelry with feather and hawk motifs. I am physically and psychologically connected to the earth. I am only in New York for work. I usually hate when people ask what I do. Other than spreading peace love and compassion and joy nothing else is important."
Robert
Marina
“I am a Philly girl but come to New York City for modeling. The connections here, the people and the vibe are what brings me here. Nothing is like this city. So many opportunities. It just feels different as soon as you get here. I am happy to pursue my modeling career here and hope to continue for a long time.”
“It is often said that New York is a city for only the very rich and the very poor. It is less often said that New York is also, at least for those of us who came there from somewhere else, a city for only the very young.”
Joan Didion
Photographed by: Clay Gardner @claystephengardner
Clay Stephen Gardner is a photographer living in Brooklyn, NY and working for publications and brands worldwide.
Styling and Creative Direction: Mary Sucaet @marysucaet
Photography Assistant: Matt Genovese @matt.genovese
Casting: Dylan Miller and Stella Tompkins @pulse_casting
Talent: Dylan @missdylann Sunny @sunnybunny__11 Pasait @hollyw00d_p Robert @ichasah_doka Jupiter @akinsdaughter Tobias @tobiasdefoe