Surviving Venice: Homeless Resident Chip Monk Shares Candid Thoughts on Life’s Struggles

On the morning of Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Santa Monica Closeup's photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz encountered Venice Beach local Chip Monk, a homeless resident known in the area. Monk, reflecting on his life and interactions with police, spoke candidly about his philosophy of "going with the flow." He explained how the police treat him amicably, respecting his non-confrontational approach. Monk elaborated on broader themes, including life’s authoritarian structures and the balance between good and bad, both in a spiritual and societal sense. He shared a deeply personal reflection, revealing that he has been clinically dead three times in the past seven years. According to Monk, these near-death experiences left him with the belief that in the end, “it’s just you and God," with each individual ultimately judging themselves. Chip also touched on topics ranging from his thoughts on societal expectations to homelessness and his struggles to maintain a positive mindset despite his circumstances. In a moment of humor and humility, he demonstrated his poor man’s didgeridoo, a vacuum hose, and mused about performing on the Venice Boardwalk. For Monk, life is about self-acceptance and understanding that everyone has their own journey. He emphasized the importance of creation, whether through art or personal growth, as a means of survival and fulfillment in a world that often feels overwhelming.