I am a lonely coffee roaster.
My life revolves around coffee. This is the choice made for me, but it became a choice by me. A lone choice, trading social abundance for tireless labour, running the business of my father who named it after me. His soul absent from his body, and his remains buried in his childhood home.
My hands are bound to this work, interacting and laughing without mirth. My closest friends are those that turn from green to brown, ground to powder, and brewed with water.
There is no time for love, no time for family, and I am surrounded by people, yet I am isolated by four walls.
The world changes constantly, and my life goes on, monotonous yet fulfilling.
I ask myself why I work but only my senses respond, as they desire new tastes, smells, and feelings. Fulfillment through the pursuit of passion, forever working towards my best version of the craft.
I find myself working, cup to cup, bringing joy to those who share my love, and fulfillment finds me well. I welcome those who love to taste, and those whose tastes are different are more welcome than any. Once everyone leaves, I am left alone with my mess of machinery, and then I follow my mundane steps to be ready for my next day of work.
I am a lonely coffee roaster… and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Fabian is a photography student, based in Castlemaine on Dja Dja Warung country, who works full time as a coffee roaster. His preferred mediums are through architecture, still life and street photography.