Archive: June, 2010
Protected: Boudoir sneak peek: Enoch
Saturday, June 26th, 2010Chai: how to destroy culture
Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010
拆. Chai. If there is one Chinese word that could encompass the wholesale destruction of culture, it would be this character. Painted on the outer walls of buildings, it marks hutongs for demolition, only to be replaced by the same generic, mass-produced, shops and eateries found in newly developed areas of the city. Much has been written and photographed on this subject. In an effort to keep up with a globalized world, Chinese cities are all too eager to “chai” the very qualities that make them unique, slap on the right brands and shiny fixtures to fit in with the cool kids.
My friend Simon (of Metavari fame <– woo! shameless plug. Acoustic wonderfulness) is fond of long bike rides. He’ll regularly hop on his massive steel bike, throw on some tunes and ride for four hours or more at a time. On one particular occasion, I joined him for one of these ambling rides. We zipped along the crowded streets, rode helmet-less against traffic, and for all extents and purposes, took little to no precaution with our safety. (In other wards, it was just a regular bike ride in China.)
I had a budding interest in documenting what was happening in the hutongs and Simon, true to form simply said “follow me.” A few hours later, I found myself standing literally in the rubble of peoples’ former lives. (I’m not kidding. There was even a Teletubby lying among the ruins.)
Giulia [The Secret Garden]
Monday, June 21st, 2010A year ago, when I first arrived in Beijing, it was the dead of winter. And I do mean dead. Beijing’s arid climate was a shock to my system, having flown in from a tropical island. Not only was it cold, at times it was plain miserable. I’m the sort of girl who is made for spring and summer. So when the first signs of greenery crept up, my creativity (and fingers) finally thawed and my imagination came out of hibernation.
For the past year, I’ve been at Tsinghua University in Beijing. I’d heard of Tsinghua’s reputation as one of China’s top schools, but I was unprepared for how lavish the grounds were. It may not have red-bricked, ivy-covered buildings, but it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful campuses I’ve ever step foot on. The grounds were once part of the imperial summer palace, and Yuanming Yuan (the old summer palace) is a mere ten minutes’ bike ride away.
I cannot imagine how much I am going to miss these grounds. It’s utterly massive and I frequently bike off to random nooks to hide from the world with a good book and a blanket. No better way to spend a sunny spring afternoon.
My awesome friend Giulia joined me a few weeks ago for a quick shoot. The light was just gorgeous, and being among so much greenery made the Canadian in me uber happy. Perhaps it was Giulia, or my fondness for fairy tales, or the magic that is shooting during golden hour.. but the entire experience was like capturing the Secret Garden 
Would you believe that this is just a random patch of greenery on the side of the road? Giulia, you are such a trooper. Thanks for being such an awesome model. Even when I ask you to climb barefoot onto a tree…
Hutong Culture
Monday, June 21st, 2010Beijing is synonymous with many things. For tourists, these include Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, and The Summer Palace. For those who live here however, nothing says Lao Beijing than Hutongs. Hutongs are alleys formed by the long walled courtyards of the homes of the wealthy. Here, the vestiges of an older way of life are gathered in small neighborhoods along these low-rise alleys. To wander in to one of these is to get lost in a maze of a different time. Where doors remain unlocked and the elderly gather along the door steps, their whole lives spent in these few square meters. Entire wardrobes hang haphazardly outside to air dry, and there are probably more possessions in the small courtyards than inside the rooms. Hutongs are more than just dwellings, but an entirely different pace and culture. The dialects spoken in them are unlike what you’ll hear on the streets. A garbled, warble-like tongue that ranges from a mumble to a lilt.
This past year however, life in the hutongs has meant more to me than the vestiges of a global city on the rise. It’s been my haven and second home. Followers of The Ricetrail know that for the past year, I’ve been teaching photography at The Hutong, a culinary and arts school that also serves as a community center. I absolutely love it there. Not just because of the novelty, or the amazing students I’ve had, but the amazing people I’ve met and the relationships I’ve formed. One of these is my friend Joel, head chef at The Hutong, a tea guru, and (I’m fairly certain) the modern incarnation of Confucius. The Hutong deserves it’s own entry (which is to come) but I when Joel offered me the chance to poke around his latest project, I couldn’t resist.
Michael – sneak preview [Beijing studio photography]
Tuesday, June 15th, 2010It began over sushi.
Some weeks ago, over dinner, I found myself looking into the expressive and slightly nervous face of a rising new model in Beijing’s hot new fashion scene. I met Mike a few months ago through a mutual friend and was quickly taken aback by his easy-going charm, talent and humility. Sometimes you meet people and instantly want to be their friend. Mike is one of those instantly likable guys. Initially coming to Asia to pursue language and education, it wasn’t long before opportunities were knocking – nay, pounding on his door. But what else would you expect from a martial arts champion with a ninja-like entrepreneurial ambition?
Mike, I hope these shots further your portfolio and help carry you to greater heights. You were a real pleasure to work with!
And yes ladies, I do believe he’s single. Leave Mike some love in the comments box below.
