Howdily doodily, this is my #monomad entry.
All of these photo's were shot in and around the city centre of Auckland, where I am currently living. Whenever the knees are getting antsy or I feel a little bored I love to go for a big stroll with the camera slung over my shoulder. I leave my phone at home and simply allow myself to observe. Having no set route or time restraints. The feet take me where they want to. I might strike up the odd conversation with a stranger or just impulsively snap photos of anything that grabs my attention. It's a lovely way to interact with the world, to be present, to view things with an aura of calm and appreciation.
The mans name in the first photo was Andoir. I talked to him for quite some time about his life on the road. He shared really amazing stories of the way he survives with very little. Some of the tales carried strong theme of the interconnectedness of all things. Synchronistic events happening again and again as he drifts through life. A very nice guy. Check out the words on the gossip mag lying beside him. Sums up the whole image in my opinion.
The city is so serene when experienced as a single moment. Without the noise you notice the fundamental peace of all things. It's always there.
She knows it. After I took this photo her eyes opened and her face broke into one of the purest smiles I have ever seen. By slowing down, allowing the mind to quiet, we can find immense equanimity and joy.
Before moving to the city, I spent my entire young life in a small beachside community. I was quite sheltered. The switch-up of environment is drastic. Everything here is way more hectic, chaotic, crazy and confronting. Everything is amplified, including the troubles of the world and the difficulties many people face just to get by. I resist the urge to ignore what's happening and instead feel gratitude to witness the strange unfolding of humanity on this beautiful planet. I don't have much to offer except opening my heart and ears to many of these people. Everyone appreciates a friendly gesture of saying hello. Even some eye contact and a smile goes a long way.
These photos are just a few of my favourites from a much larger body of work that I am currently formatting into a little zine. It's cool to look back at this past years archives and find myself reminded of where I was and how I felt. You're getting a direct look into my state of mind at the time of releasing the shutter. The fact that I'm shooting film means I have to be quite conservative with what I decide to capture. I only follow the strongest intuitions, the most potent surges of interest.
Cheers for looking everyone! The descriptions given here are intentionally short and sweet. I like the pictures to do most of the talking. I'll share more soon.
With love,