Popular quotation from Lao-tzu (604–531 bce), Chinese philosopher
who founded Taoism. The original Chinese can be translated as,
“The journey of one thousand miles begins beneath one’s feet.”
References 1950s print ads for Toni brand home permanent kits.
Inspired by the Diane Arbus photograph “Identical Twins, Roselle, New Jersey, 1967.”
A pun on “The Family of Man” photography exhibit curated by Edward Steichen
at the Museum of Modern Art in 1957. Images from the exhibit were collected in
a book of the same name, with an introduction by Carl Sandburg.
A nod to Smith Brothers cough drops. Established in 1866, the venerable brand featured boxes bearing likenesses of bewhiskered Poughkeepsie, N.Y., manufacturers William and Andrew Smith.
