A big part of my focused interest in photography lies in the fascination behind people and capturing characters. Growing up as an avid people-watcher, there is something within me that is captivated by the stories people have to tell; friends with multi-national, multi-faceted and deep unique stories, and strangers with their unassuming auras, enigmatic eyes and tell-all words overheard in passing.
The deepest pain can hide behind the brightest eyes and the most mysterious personas conceal a warm-hearted welcome.
It is, in my experience of dealing with a plethora of characters, a world of life-changing sentiments hidden in plain sight that are captured within the bewitching grasp of photographs.
It is with this inclination that I chose to represent a story of an individual close to me.
I met John in the first week of university, bumping into him as we both exited our dormitory rooms at the same time. Thus commenced an exciting friendship balanced with joyousness and unwavering companionship. His story inspired me as both an individual and a person of colour.
I usually refrain from making the distinction as it is one with our identities rather than an exclusive/ independent label. We bonded over shared experiences of life and interactions with the world.
I usually refrain from making the distinction as it is one with our identities rather than an exclusive/ independent label. We bonded over shared experiences of life and interactions with the world.
Not only were we both starting our independent lives in the "real world" we had our fair share of obstacles prior to this freedom that came with our college experience. It is with this certain level of maturity that we were able to face our new challenges head-on and not panic when curveballs were thrown our way.
John's bubbly and high-spirited nature made him a greatly dynamic character who I had the privilege to meet and heal further alongside him. Evened out by his hard-working nature and empathy, his mischievousness was something that caught my eye and inspired this photographic series.
"Articulate" is my attempt at capturing the person who I see as John. His child-like spirit very much alive, his expressions ever-changing and his heart warm, he articulates not just our friendship but his strength as an individual. Living in this world as a young person of colour, his journey and story continue to strike and influence me.
