Matthew Genitempo is 25 and still eating pancakes from Austin, Texas.

MOSSLESS: Who is this man and how did this situation come about?
MATTHEW GENITEMPO: This photo is of my good friend Garrett. A few of us traveled to Canyon Texas to hike and we were caught at the bottom of the Pala Duro canyon in a pretty serious hail storm. We were forced to hike back up the the cliffs we had came down from, which had turned into muddy waterfalls. We stopped under a rocky overhang area to take a break. That is where I took this photo. About an hour later we finally made it back up to the top. It’s hard to explain but it was an intense experience.

ML: How is photography helping you “discover an unfamiliar America”?
MG: There are quite a few areas in this country that I want to subject myself to, but haven’t had the time to explore.  Photography has helped push me towards some exploring I wouldn’t have done otherwise.

ML: What is “Public School”?
MG: Public school is a collective of friends/artists that all have separate artistic aspirations under one roof. We all moved in together almost a year ago and the experience has been really great. Every person contributes varying creative views on whatever project is going on. I couldn’t ask for a better place to work in Austin.

ML: Where’s the best place to get pancakes in Texas? 
MG: Personal favorite is Austin Diner in Austin, Texas. Ginger or Wheat Pancakes on a Saturday morning. Ask for Claire, she will hook you up. Also, when I was in Nashville, I checked out the Pancake Pantry. I believe they were called the Smoky Mountain pancakes. Unbelievable.