Cuts: Portraits of Contemporay Barbers

There are a few trades that I have always had an undying fascination for...of those, butchers and barbers are top of the totem. Originally this project was to cover only Chicago barbers; but has since transformed to capture barbers throughout the country.This is an ongoing project that will soon encompass Butchers and Boxers under its title.

The history of the barber pole still strikes me. Back in the day barbers doubled as bloodletters; the two white spiral ribbons on the pole represent the first bandage used to bind the arm before the letting, and the second to wrap it afterward. It is amazing to see the evolution of trade such as this, and to see how it has adapted and been modified to suit current societal needs.

This current set of images comprise the students of Roffler Barber School of Austin, Texas. This school has been in operation since the early 70's and operates out of strip mall on Burnet Road. Each of these students plays dominoes or cards in the back while waiting for a customer to arrive; and nearly all of them told me they are there because they have been cutting hair since they were young...why not make a living out of it. Perfecting fades, giving edge ups and designing ice lines are these folks speciality. I thank them for letting me set up studio in the back classroom.