Sun Demi
Once from Albania, his grandparents, who were very fond with money, decided to pursue a better life in America. They wanted something to live up to their standards; something magnificent, extravagant. America held so many rumors to it; the possible American Dream. The Dream everyone hoped to achieve, conquer, and live a glorious life to that their children, and their children's children can pass along.
However, they forgot that the current dollar in America was of far more worth than their own.
Once at America, they were shoved into the lower middle class. A class that was usual in the 1920's; the roaring '20's, as they all called it. However, the stock market crashed, and whatever little left they had was gone. His grandfather, a cunning man, threw himself into the drugs; selling them to keep some food on the table for his daughter and son. The Great Depression rolled along; people lined up on the streets to get a cup of rice. The poor, was kept poor, and the rich took a tumble down the class ladder. Everyone was in a mess by this time.
Slowly, the economy rose once more. His grandfather had done a marvelous job keeping food on the table. During the Depression, people found themselves in drugs and would spend every last dime they had to have it all. Life after that went on. His mother grew up into a beautiful woman, and married fairly young at the age of twenty. His uncle lost himself into drugs, and one day, he just disappeared. No word from him, no nothing. Rumor has it that he owed the Mafia some money, but nobody really knows for sure.
His grandfather made quick friends with some of the higher gangs and surely, the Italian, and Arabic Mafia. He supplied them with drugs, they supplied him with money and an "equal" life.
Such an act like this was not spoken about in the family, as drugs and alcohol were looked down upon. Mattei grew up nicely. The money was surely a plus, which lead him into a good Arts college. Throughout his entire life, he was very good at the camera. His work would be known as "Tei's Designs", and from all over, people wanted portraits and images at any price they could offer. Knowing of his unique talent, he used it to his best ability to have some extra money in his pocket.
The boy grew up without a father figure; his father leaving when he was only around two years old. Being raised by only a down-to-earth mother, he learned to be a ladies' man. The classic chivalry act did not die, as his mother made sure he was not bred into the disrespectful player type.
Now grown up, and attending his college, he didn't really have anything to live for, except his mother and camera. He hopes that one day, he can capture a beautiful lady within his lens, to keep forever as a reminder and a memory that he is who he is. Overlay by oatmeal.
