Etc.

Yes, there are times when objects events stories not even marginally related to food get a share of my creative juices.

In my freshman Fall semester, I attended my first photo panel with a bunch of food photos. The major takeaway: we need more stories. That was when my understanding of photography as a form of art completely changed. In the past, I took photos of food to preserve moments at their peak um level of deliciousness, but there was much more to the power of photography. It's a medium of communication. To convey the thoughts of the photographer, their understandings of the world around them, the words they want to shout to their audience.

To be honest, at the moment of capture the only thought that went through my mind was, "oh this looks pretty!" In the process of editing and publishing these photos, however, I started to re-interpret my photos. In conjunction with my expansion of perspective, knowledge, and experiences, I now look at these photos with a different eye. I don't think the bestowed meanings makes these photos or the stories any less sincere because in a sense, this is also a reflection of myself and my growth over the years. The meaning of art, in the end, is subjective too I guess, so these are just some of my thoughts. Wow. I'm figuring out more things right as I write.

I'd love to hear what you think too!

A natural world and an artificial world. So similar, so close, yet so different in... nature.

We have rolling waves supporting aquatic ecosystems with its abundance in nutrients, bordered by a polished sheet of chemicals sought to destroy microorganisms. We have gentle shades of turquoise contrasted by unnaturally saturated blues. Orderly lines versus irregular curves. Scents of seaweed and salt interrupted by bitter whiffs of chlorine.

Is this strict dualism of nature and humanity really the way for sustainable coexistence? Or will one... soon flood the other?

Taken at Dameisha Beach, Shenzhen. Sunrise.

Blueeee 2020

Unfamiliar surroundings. Dimly lit path. The past and the future shrouded in darkness.

Much of our generation is struggling through such a situation. We're at an age with too many choices and too many risks. We're scared, uncertain about what comes next, what challenges are prowling in the gloomy forests.

But, I guess, life just goes on. All we can be certain of is the bright present, so we enjoy it to its fullest. We keep pushing forward, guided by our lamp of hope, faith, and aspirations. We can head anywhere, but for now, we're here.

Achieved after 10 tough minutes, 30 failed shots, and 1 sore arm. The tbh is: the surroundings are familiar because it's the road I walked every day in middle school to get to the subway station, but I guess it does still represent the beginning to a new day full of new possibilities.

Where 2020

Sorry 2019

If we all considered everything more thoroughly before entering relationships... then the entire would would be a much happier place!

Totally not speaking from experience... but today's not the day for tea.

Maybe next time!!!

https://www.oprahmag.com/life/relationships-love/a25907941/expert-relationship-advice/

Somewhere in Los Angeles, CA.. Super happy day with a friend that I haven't met in years.

Times 2019

I always admire and respect those who contributes their efforts into preservation of history and culture, helping us connect with our ancestors and the roots of what makes us, well, us.

Same with foods. So many traditional ways are lost in the flow of history and industrialization of manufacturing. Can a machine or standardized recipes ever produce anything truly authentic? Well, that does return to the debate of what truly is authentic raised in FSTB01 office hours. Our conclusion: authenticity is a claim. An agreement between them who makes the claim and those who accept the claim. Wow, this was quite a tangent.

Anyways, I do hope to join this line in making sure our traditions live on through the generations.

A hotel converted from a collection of ancient, traditional buildings. Somewhere near Guangzhou.

A Peek Into History 2020

I hope this summer was as delightful and memorable for them, as much as it was for me.