[TOUCH]: Amanda Yik, a forest therapy guide, puts her hand over her heart as...READ ON
[TOUCH]: Amanda Yik, a forest therapy guide, puts her hand over her heart as she feels the gentle breeze and sunlight on her skin. In 2007, right when she thought she was at her fittest, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer. Her body broke down, and two years of invasive treatment followed. All the energy she could afford was walking across the road to the park for a stroll. Imprinted on a Bauhinia leaf, the symbolic flower of Hong Kong’s flag, coat of arms, and coins.
[TOUCH]: It was through these slow, gentle strolls in her community...READ ON
[TOUCH]: It was through these slow, gentle strolls in her community park that Amanda discovered how she could enjoy nature in a completely different way. Finding a quiet seat under the tree, allowing her eyes to relax into a gentle focus, breathing in the morning air... It gave her the kind of comfort and grounding that nothing else offered. Imprinted on a King Fern leaf.
[TOUCH]: Amanda feels the water run over her feet in a river near where she...READ ON
[TOUCH]: Amanda feels the water run over her feet in a river near where she used to live. At the time, she would wander through the trails for a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city. Through her journey, she has since become a forest bathing guide, encouraging others to embrace these exercises in their own lives. Imprinted on a Palm leaf with Scheffera silhouettes.
[SCENT]: Wild Man, known as “Yeah Man” or 野人 in Chinese,...READ ON
[SCENT]: Wild Man, known as “Yeah Man” or 野人 in Chinese, gently cradles and smells a turmeric plant that he had grown. He is a 38-year old who has lived off-the-grid for the past 15 years, growing his own food, using solar power for electricity, and building bamboo tree houses. The plants that he grows are diverse, including this flower of the turmeric plant that Wild Man was holding. Imprinted on the Turmeric leaf that Wild Man is seen holding.
[SCENT]: His lifestyle started 13 years ago, after studying leisure...READ ON
[SCENT]: His lifestyle started 13 years ago, after studying leisure management at the University of Hong Kong. Outside of classes, he realised the damage that humans were inflicting on the earth, propelling him to significantly alter his lifestyle. Persisting despite his parents’ initial disapproval, he now lives near the border between Hong Kong and Shenzhen with his own wife and children. Imprinted on the Turmeric leaf that Wild Man is seen holding.
[SCENT]: With his family, Wild Man now spreads his way of living by teaching...READ ON
[SCENT]: With his family, Wild Man now spreads his way of living by teaching others and inviting them to spend time on his farm through an initiative that he founded, the 'Natural Network'. He plans the plots of his soil with his students, and they use manual equipment for construction. On his quiet piece of land, rectangular plots of turmeric, flowers, green beans, and chilis are surrounded by towering banana plants and papaya trees. Imprinted on the Turmeric leaf that Wild Man is seen holding.
[TASTE]: Mr. Raymond Kwan, a resident of Ma Shi Po, locks up the gate to his...READ ON
[TASTE]: Mr. Raymond Kwan, a resident of Ma Shi Po, locks up the gate to his home for the final time. Residents and farmers from Ma Shi Po and other similar villages on the outskirts of Hong Kong have been experiencing the final days of evictions as farming land is being reclaimed by the government for land development. Imprinted on a Papaya leaf.
[TASTE]: Aerial view of the community farms in Ma Shi Po, on the last day of...READ ON
[TASTE]: Aerial view of the community farms in Ma Shi Po, on the last day of Mr. Kwan’s eviction. Speaking with authorities, he is told that he will have to leave his part of the farmland before 2024. “Some people do this for fun, but for us - it’s our livelihood.” In Hong Kong, a dense urban centre built on hilly terrain, issues of land justice and food justice are widespread. Imprinted on a Papaya leaf.
[TASTE]: A 45-minute drive away, an urban greenhouse can be seen on the...READ ON
[TASTE]: A 45-minute drive away, an urban greenhouse can be seen on the western coast of Hong Kong island. The first urban farm here to incorporate hydroponics, aquaponics and organic farming systems, they hold guided tours, educational programmes, and farming activities for the public. At night, people strolling by circle the building with curiosity, entranced by the glow of the bright LED purple grow lights. Imprinted on Butter Leaf Lettuce, grown by the farm.
[SOUND]: AK is a sound designer, sound engineer, and field recordist who...READ ON
[SOUND]: AK is a sound designer, sound engineer, and field recordist who took on the mission of documenting the natural soundscape of Hong Kong. Creating a local sound library and sound map of natural sounds, he wants people to rethink how they interact with nature - through an unconventional sensory experience. Imprinted on a Giant taro leaf.
[SOUND]: The project ‘AK in KK’ means “I am in Hong...READ ON
[SOUND]: The project ‘AK in KK’ means “I am in Hong Kong.” “AK” is the name of the project’s founder and “KK” means Hong Kong, which is the common seen abbreviation from the grid reference coordination system covering the major part of Hong Kong. The two-letter symbols are commonly seen on distance posts and maps upon the hills. Imprinted on a partial Fan Palm Leaf.
[SOUND]: In revisiting the location where he first started this project with...READ ON
[SOUND]: In revisiting the location where he first started this project with an amplifier, sounds of conversations, traffic, and birds are mixed together in this urban natural environment. Given the hilly geography, Hong Kong has many hiking trails that are intertwined closely with the cityscape. Imprinted on a Giant Taro Leaf.
[Dis/Re]connected: Through the V Senses
In dense urban centres such as Hong Kong, humans can at times feel disconnected from nature, surrounded by concrete blocks and glass buildings.
In reconnecting with nature, this is a personal journey that looks different for everyone.
By isolating our senses and grounding ourselves through nature this way, it is a meditative experience that can be the first step towards rethinking how we connect with nature physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
By using an immersive approach, I hope that the viewer will not only feel a sense of re-connection, but that they’ll also take these practices into their daily lives - and start their own journey.
Katherine Cheng is a documentary photographer and videojournalist based between Toronto and Hong Kong, covering breaking news, daily events, and feature stories.