Member Spotlight—Josh C.
How long have you been in the city? Tell us a little about your journey.
I moved back to San Francisco 6 months ago after living in Berlin for 4 years. Before that, I was living in San Jose. I went to SFSU in the early 90s but am originally from Florida.
I’ve chosen SF—this is where I want to spend my life. It’s a beautiful place.
How many steps are you away from Tillage?
2,000. I’m on 25th Street.
What does a typical day or week look like for you, and how has Tillage become a part of that routine?
Tillage has become my daily routine. I come every day except for weekends. I get here around 11:30am and stay until about 6.
Before, I was splitting time between coffee shops, libraries, coworking spaces. I was looking into renting an office until I discovered Tillage at the end of January.
What drew you to Tillage, and what have you enjoyed about being part of the community so far?
I found Tillage on my way to Andronico's; it was late at night and I was going to get some snacks. I saw the lights on [at Tillage], and there were people in here. I was super curious and liked the vibe of it.
When I took a tour, the immediate draw was the library. There’s one thing that SF doesn't have very many of, and that’s a pure quiet space of silence. I knew right away that if this was available I wanted to be a part of it. There are a lot of coworking spaces where people are on calls or playing video games.
Where's your favorite spot at Tillage?
Library, over the top. I like being by the window and watching people go by. There’s a vet next door, and when you see people carrying in their dog or cat there’s something very human and natural about it.
What’s your favorite Tillage Gathering?
I like the Members’ Meals—the talking, the hanging out, the pizzas. One time there was a pistachio mortadella pizza that was really good.
What does being a community member mean to you?
Knowing the people that you’re around rather than just having transactional relationships. Learning people’s first names and their vibe.
What’s one local spot you couldn’t live without, and what’s one memory you’ve made there?
I would say King of Noodles because their dumplings are amazing. They have a direct relationship with a dumpling outlet center that also has a wholesale business, where you can buy frozen dumplings by the bag.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I’m an artist and a web developer. I make websites to be able to make art. I mainly do photography and printmaking, but I also do tech art, which I describe as art that uses computers and microcontrollers. It includes multimedia forms, so things like video and sound installations and interactive sculpture.
I’ve been making art for 35 years. I had a long career as a photographer, doing a lot of documentary and editorial work at newspapers. My friends and I were a part of the counterculture; we saw the Internet as a way to subvert culture rather than to join it. I see art as a way to keep ownership of the human experience.
I have a show up at tiat.place, and you can keep up with upcoming shows on my website, lucidbeaming.com and on Instagram @lucidbeaming.
