[Kings Waffle] Chapter 13: Physical Expressions
Sometimes Kings Waffle manifests itself in physical form, not just in people.
The Blanket:
- Kings Waffle in quilt form.
I find a common frustration with describing my affinity for not Waffle House, but a particular Waffle House. It’s one of the things that inspired me to start photographing and writing about the place. Truth be told, Waffle House’s food is ok, but I never find myself craving it (the coffee on the other hand—that I will go out of my way for). Still, the appeal of going to Kings Waffle for so long was the people and the place. I love this Waffle House, not necessarily a brand or a company.
If anyone truly understands that outside of those featured in these posts, it’s the person who presented me with this wonderful gift a few years back: one of my Kings Waffle photographs emblazoned across a quilt.
- The 2014 photograph seen in the blanket above.
It’s warm. It’s wonderful. It’s comforting. And it means the world, because someone truly understood.
TIFO:
In 2016, FC Cincinnati debuted. I was (and still am) involved with the original independent supporters group, Die Innenstadt. At a “meet the team” event in the early days of the club, I photographed goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt after he had received a black eye and stitches during a match in Bethlehem, PA.
- Former FC Cincinnati keeper Mitch Hildebrandt on March 31, 2016.
My friend Jeremy and several other members responsible for making the hand painted banners, or "tifo" in soccer fandom parlance, used that photograph to make a display in support of Mitch (who would go on to achieve legendary status during a game against Chicago in 2017). “Mitch Says No” was the common chant from the stands whenever Hildebrandt would make a save (my photograph would even appear on the scoreboard as the crowd chanted in support of him). I borrowed Jeremy’s painted work one afternoon because I wanted to make a photograph, of my photograph, repurposed into a physical sign of support for one of the fan favorites. I didn’t have anywhere to display the massive work, though, which is where Kings Waffle came in handy. Thanks to the help of a few connections and some fellow regulars who were also FCC season ticket holders, we pulled this off:
I eventually lived in the same apartment complex as Hildebrandt, but would never bring myself to bother him with the fact that I was a fan or that I possessed a photograph of a painted version of him hanging off the side of a 24 hour chain diner. Instead, I usually just said: “hey, how’s it going?” as we walked our respective dogs.
Mitch, if you ever find yourself back in Cincinnati, though, I’d be happy buy you a cup of coffee at Kings Waffle to say thanks for the memories.
Laura Metz:
Laura Metz was my high school art teacher. I say “was” not simply because I’ve long since graduated, but because it’s more truthful to describe her as a friend rather than a colleague. Laura was then and has since been an inspiration. She introduced me to artists and concepts who still have an influence on me today, she’s a great sounding board, and she appreciates good music in the Red Hot Chili Peppers. She was kind enough to write the foreword to my 2015 book and despite all the times I fall out of contact, she’s always willing to still talk and catch up—still providing wonderful advice and insight. Awhile ago, when we met for lunch at a Waffle House (but not the Waffle House), she presented me with two amazing oil pastel drawings based off of a few of my photographs.
- Oil pastel drawing by Laura Metz.
- The Chapter 4 photograph that drawing 1 is based off of.
- Oil pastel drawing by Laura Metz.
- The Chapter 1 photograph that drawing 2 is based off of.
At the moment, I have nowhere to display them, but wherever I head next: these will go up. They mean so much on so many levels.
Thanks, Laura, for always listening and always understanding. I hope you know that I’m by far not the only person you’ve had an amazingly positive influence on.
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