About
He offered me a tattoo, I declined.
My parents destined me for a nicknamed life when they decided on Joseph Jackson. As I’m sure you know I share my name with a famous bunch. A decade specific pop/punk superstar, the abusive father of the Jackson 5, and—the impetus for my clever URL—a (wrongfully) defamed illiterate baseball icon.
The nickname Shoeless has followed me both as a result of our shared Christian name as well as its literal relevance to my lifestyle, having spent a solid portion of my young adult life as a barefoot travelling surf bum. It’s also a nice fit when I think of the myriad Teva river sandals and Rainbow flip flops I destroyed in my 10 years as a whitewater rafting guide.
The nickname has taken on a metaphorical significance to my green career as a journalist. Many of my assignments have caught me with my shoes off and put me in uncomfortable situations. Writing about literally shoeless activities from these perspectives of pain, fear, and frustration have helped me to develop a distinctive voice. A voice I hope comes across clearly in this portfolio.