Loz in Translation: Retiring the @30HomeGames Instagram.

<< crossposted on the '30 Home Games' blog

I've owned a smartphone for just over 2+ years. In that period I've devoted a lot of time finding content for my Instagram. It was a departure from my insistence on "living in the moment" when I was backpacking for years sans camera. I posted daily. Documenting my exploration of new places and subcultures using basketball references to bind the photos in theme.

If I was watching contemporary dance, I'd look for an audience member wearing fresh sneakers. If I was at a comedy show, I'd spring into action if I heard a comic referencing basketball. I'd check out the latest burger pop-ups but I'd hunt for punters wearing basketball jerseys.
The premium was on finding quirky perspectives, usually for things that were trending or topical. Whilst occasionally photos were straightforward basketball pics, I was excited by finding odd juxtapositions or clever visual puns in my daily life. I was on a constant scavenger hunt. What began as a way to remain focused on the 30HG Project when I wasn't abroad quickly turned into an obsession.

In the same way Jim Carrey became obsessed with the 'Number 23', I was in a craze trying to connect everything to LeBron James and Michael Jordan.

I'm retiring the home (Sydney) component of my Instagram. I'll be reserving updates for upcoming plans, resuming regular daily content for when I'm on the road. I enjoy how projects like this foster daily habits of exploring, searching for novelty and lived experience. The content is a bonus. I'll still be checking out shows and new scenes, I'll just be experiencing it more fully as I won't be so preoccupied with capturing it now. Truth be told, my camera phone is broken. With no plans to replace it till I head Stateside for my "Texas Triangle" roadtrip.

30HG goes to USA

30HG goes to CHINA

30HG goes to SOUTH AMERICA

I'm proud of what I experienced with the @30homeGames Instagram. Besides taking me abroad to the States, China and New Zealand, I also got to dive into my local culture. Checking out more art shows, finding new spots and making new friends around Sydney. It made me more proactive in playing ball, joining clubs and seeking hoops events. It even motivated me to run my own basketball tourney. The energy reminiscent of when I started 'Loz in Transit' during my Yes Man year of 2010.

To commemorate my 2+ years capturing and living "ball is life", I present a mixtape of some of my favourite photo sets: