Part of an expansive project spanning 37 states, Gruninger’s lens focuses on the specific character of San Pedro, near Los Angeles. The photograph records the intersection of public and private spaces, where the functional architecture of a liquor store becomes a canvas for local identity. It reflects a fluid urban environment, catching a moment of stillness in a region defined by constant movement and change.

The composition emphasizes the convergence of human-made elements, from the bold signage to the layers of street art that mark the building’s history. By isolating this everyday scene, Gruninger highlights the evolution of the urban landscape and the cultural sensibilities that thrive within the sprawl of the West Coast.