It would seem to me that through my photography-led practice I have unknowingly embarked on a journey to discovering all things about identity. Exploring different techniques and subjects and experimenting with various compositions, I always hope to capture moments that reflect my unique perspective - what really catches my physical and ethereal eye in the moment. Over the years and through this process, I have come to understand two things. One is that the lens of the camera in my hand can be used to express my innermost thoughts, feelings and beliefs. Another one is that we are all drawn to the same goal, and that is to know ourselves.
For those who are familiar with a negative, either in photography or block printing for example, it will be easy to understand that the light and shadow areas are only made distinguishable in contrast to one another other. While the light is needed for an image to be seen, it's the shadow that provides the character, the atmosphere, the meaning and the uniqueness to the otherwise standard narrative. Not only that, but both qualities are multi-dimensional and their depth defines their intensity.
In Japanese philosophy the concept of wabi-sabi encourages us to notice and embrace the imperfect and unique aspects of ourselves and all life. It’s about appreciating the beauty of the perceived brokenness or incompleteness; of an item, of the world, of ourselves and hence of others. And so perhaps what we are truly seeking through the journey of our lives is a loving expression and an acceptance of all that we are - the light, the shadow and all that sits in between.
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