50 Couches in 50 Nights

My name is Dean MacKay. In June and July of 2010, I slept on 50 different couches in 50 consecutive nights. I took photographs of the couches, both as a couch and as my bed. I took portraits of my hosts and interviewed them. I documented their homes on film and digitally as well as in a journal. I was treated to home cooked meals and intimate secrets. I was cared for when I was ill and checked in on after I was long gone. There were sleepless nights and busy days and times spent discussing the past and dreaming about the future. I drank a lot of coffee at a lot of different coffee houses. There were old friends who became closer and acquaintances who I now call my friends. There were even strangers who invited me into their homes. Threads were woven among them all. My skills were honed as I practiced my craft on a daily basis. I learned many things about my hosts and I continue to learn many things about myself. These times are unforgettable. This journey was initially born out of necessity. The economic times had taken their toll. But the fruit of this labor is not simply financial. It is emotional and spiritual and societal. I tapped into something that is still developing. And as it develops I will share with you this knowledge as well as providing you a way to share it with others. I hope that you will support me as this journey continue and grows. I plan to unveil many things from this work including a coffee table book on the couches, and perhaps other books and a documentary. I'm also hoping to get the blog carried on a major website. Of course, and second project is also in the works although what form it will take has yet to be determined. Any assistance or advice that you can offer to further these projects is welcome. Your support, both financial and emotional, is crucial to my success. Thank You. © Dean MacKay 2010

50 Couches in 50 Nights has written 48 posts for 50 Couches in 50 Nights

Couch #4 – Alex and Steve – June 3rd, 2010

Posted by 50 Couches in 50 Nights ⋅ June 9, 2010 ⋅ 4 Comments

Couch #4 belongs to Alex and Steve. The couch is apparently a pain in the butt. Alex enjoys Craigslist and when they moved in to their place, she started buying couches like every week. She would buy one, bring it home and not like it. And then she would sell it. She’s skilled enough at Craigslist that she would usually make a profit. Steve felt like he was moving couches all the time. This one was the display model at a furniture store in The Valley. The couch was delivered through the window. It’s so big it doesn’t fit through the door. They are trying to sell it, but are probably stuck with it. I thought it was very comfortable. They are married and live in Townhouse, that they own, in Echo Park, California. She works in web analytics, and he is a scientist. They have one cat named Frasa, although I probably spelled that wrong. Alex enjoys hanging out, walking staircases, and travel. Steve likes to play chess. Steve was a dumpster salesman for Waste Management after college. That’s what a physics degree will get you in Arkansas. We met when we were drunk on wicked strong beer at our mutual friend Wil’s birthday party in January, although I had been to their home when Wil had lived there. One of Alex’s current favorite songs is “Melatonin” by Silversun Pickups. Steve like Led Zeppelin, and would probably pick the “The Ocean” as his favorite song. He also likes “The Empire Strikes Back”. Alex likes “2001: A Space Odyssey”. She like Mexican food. Steve likes his Mom’s lasagna. Alex hopes that I don’t get hacked up. Oh, and yes, this project is part of the stimulus package.

Continue reading →

50 Couches in 50 Nights

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.