A selection of images from Pittsburgh-based photographer, artist, and educator Jacob Pesci. Heavily influenced by his personal struggles and time as a combat medic in the US Navy, Pesci’s studio practice focuses on the human condition and inter-personal connection. His series, “God Brought Me to Pittsburgh to Punish Me for My Sins,” reflects his thoughts and feelings upon moving back to his hometown:

“After a decade of running from city to city & job to job, I reluctantly returned to Pittsburgh in a season of immense loss. Reeling from the death of my father & the brokenness of my marriage, I was forced to confront the reality of my past & present. Growing up in Pittsburgh, I was incredibly lonely & isolated within myself. I struggled at home feeling as if I could never live up to my father’s expectations, constantly carrying the weight of guilt & shame. I grew angry & troubled, coping with addictive behaviors. My anger & inflated ego protected my feelings of inferiority, keeping me barely afloat as I desperately raced forward striving to achieve success & status to secure my worth. Now home, broken & contrite, all I am left with are the tears I’ve been hiding.”

Check out more images below.