Yavez Anthonio – Urban Transplant
Depending on who you ask, being a New Yorker can vary from person to person, background and origin, but New York is not just made of people who are natives, but those who travel across borders and seas to influence community, culture, and the environment in this melting pot. The very transplants that move here are a large factor in what makes the city grow and adds layers of life for all to appreciate. Yavez Anthonio moved from Amsterdam in under a year now and after a couple of trips back and forth to the States he has finally rooted in a place where he calls home now, inputting his vision through his photography and film and his fascination of New York. We talked to him about the reasons for moving, experiences, and challenges of being a “new New Yorker”.
Where are you from and why did you move to New York City?
I was born and raised in the North of Amsterdam. The reason I moved to New York is that it’s always been a dream of mine since I was a kid. As someone from Europe, NYC seemed the most fascinating place to me. I wanted to work towards a dream that seemed really difficult for me as a kid. Moving to NY was a goal I wanted to prove to myself that I can make a reality. One thing I’d say is that life in Amsterdam is pretty “free”. There are a lot of opportunities, and the society is set up so you don’t have to worry about a lot of the necessities. You can focus on living. It’s easy-going. There is this saying, “Doe maar gewoon, dan doe je al gek genoeg.” – ‘Act normal, as that’s crazy enough.” Doing more than the norm seems a bit odd for most people there. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but for me, it made me feel like I was meant to explore more out there. Even though it’s a place where arts, design, and creativity have inspired many and Amsterdam seems too small.
What’s something that NYC has that Amsterdam doesn’t have?
The first thing that comes to mind is bodegas. That’s something we really don’t have in Amsterdam, places that are open 24/7. Bodegas are way more interesting than what I really imagined. In a way, it’s community grounds. No matter who you are, or where you come from, you go to a bodega. The whole culture around it is very underlying and puts the idea of “New York City” in one corner.
What challenges have you faced since moving to New York?
It’s been hard for me to navigate through the city. Amsterdam is so much smaller than NYC and so there’s not as many things to experience. It can be really easy to get around be around. Whereas NYC, is overwhelming and what I’ve learned, is that even though it’s a melting pot of many things, there seem to be sectors of cultures and community. As a transplant, and someone new to the city, trying to find their place, it can be hard with all these options because NYC has so much to offer. Almost too much.
Has living in NYC change the way you live or the way you see things?
After living here for a couple of months I definitely understand the hustle out here a bit better. Life out here is expensive and there is a lot of competition compared to Amsterdam. It’s a learning curve, but it’s something that I feel makes sense for me. Coming from a more relaxed atmosphere, NYC has this pace and movement, which almost drives you to work and motivate yourself. It really tests your endurance and stamina in every way.
If there was somewhere else in the world you could be where would it be?
I could imagine myself living in Rio de Janeiro for a while. The culture is fascinating and there is so much going on there. It’s an odd feeling because there is this beauty about Rio that seems serene, but at the same time, there’s this raw culture beneath it all. An expression that comes from real life, real struggles, that creates rich movement between, arts, and culture. It’s a place where I can really connect with people. Plus, the acai is AMAZING. You’ll probably stop having acai NY!
What makes New York, “New York”?
I think the people make New York “New York”. The city is filled with people from all walks of life, from all over the world and I believe that gives this city special energy. You have many people who moved out here to make a living, injecting their views and cultures. It’s this fascinating collaborative energy where you never know who you’re going to meet. You can really make something of yourself in NY. And that very energy inspires me. Dreams can really come true here. In the short time I’ve been here, I’ve already accomplished personal goals and I can’t be grateful and blessed to be here.
If you had to give somebody moving here advice what would it be?
My advice would be to go and visit NYC as much as possible before wanting to move here. Make new friends and discover the city. This will make moving here easier as you’ll have a foundation. The city can be crazy at times, but that is something to embrace because there are so many opportunities and experiences to be made.
Find out more about Yavez and his photography – here
Photos and words by – Josh Illyas
