My Journey
My Journey
Seeing the Soul in Everyday Moments
I’ve been capturing the world through my lens since the age of Nokia, back when phones were simply tools, not yet portals for social media. Even then, I was drawn to the tiny moments—the street scenes and soulful vignettes that most people passed by. During trips, I was often the one who lagged behind, caught up in the stories unfolding around me while everyone else waited. Street photography became a way for me to share my cultural vision with the world, bringing the beauty of everyday life into focus and inviting others to see the soul within each scene.
The streets offered endless stories, each frame a quiet reflection of human experience. This early work became the foundation of my artistic journey, teaching me to notice the nuances of life and capture its fleeting beauty. While my recent work has moved toward abstraction, street photography remains close to my heart, reminding me of my beginnings as a storyteller and observer of the world.
Through the Looking Glass: My Artistic Awakening
One of the most defining moments in my journey toward conceptual photography happened unexpectedly on Halloween, while I was working in the USA. On a whim, I crafted a SpongeBob costume out of cardboard boxes and spent the entire day in character, even during meals. Hidden within this costume, no one on campus—students, teachers, or colleagues—knew who was behind the SpongeBob mask. It became an exercise in mystery, with curious kids speculating and inching closer, intrigued by the anonymous figure roaming the halls.
Throughout the day, I noticed how my presence sparked curiosity, but only one child dared to come close enough to peek through the holes in my costume. Her eye met mine through the tiny opening, and in that moment, my heart raced. It was a powerful encounter—a young mind breaking through hesitation to find out the truth, embodying pure curiosity and courage. Capturing her gaze through the camera, I created From the Other Side, an image that symbolizes the profound curiosity we all have within us, the drive to seek and understand what lies beyond.
This moment became a turning point for me. It reminded me of the power of curiosity, the importance of staying connected to that inner child who remains open to discovery. The experience switched something on in my mind, inspiring me to approach photography not just as a tool for capturing scenes, but as a medium for exploring perception, truth, and the unseen stories within us all. I began to approach my work with more intention, layering my images with thought and emotion, hoping to inspire viewers to see life differently and connect with their own stories.
From the Other Side has continued to encourage me to pursue topics that intrigue me, even in my academic journey. It serves as a reminder to always be bold in asking questions, in approaching new perspectives, and in staying curious, no matter where life leads. This image and its story keep my curiosity alive, driving me to explore the unknown, both in my art and in my pursuit of research.
The Aha Moment
In 2016, during a seemingly ordinary moment on a trip, I had an experience that would transform my approach to photography—and to life itself. On a whim, I focused my lens on a simple light bulb, capturing its structure from an unusual angle. What appeared in the image was not just a bulb but an intricate, almost otherworldly pattern I had never noticed before. This accidental discovery felt like uncovering a hidden dimension in the everyday, a reminder that profound beauty often resides in the mundane, waiting to be seen from a fresh perspective. In that instant, I realized that photography was not merely a tool for documentation; it was a lens through which we could reshape our understanding of reality.
When Bulb Fiction was exhibited, the images sparked a similar reaction in viewers. People were captivated, often asking if the images had been manipulated, or if the structures were the result of special effects. When they learned these patterns were drawn from an ordinary bulb, I saw a sense of revelation—a shared understanding of the richness in the present moment, of the beauty they might have overlooked in their own lives. It was as though my images became a mirror, reflecting back the possibility of mindfulness, of seeing the world anew.
This series marked a turning point in my art and my philosophy. I began to see photography as more than just technique; it became an invitation to explore presence, perception, and the hidden potential of our surroundings. This shift led me to conduct workshops, sharing my belief that abstract images are not just visual creations but gateways to a mindset of openness and wonder. In these sessions, I aim to guide others away from traditional ideas of photographic skill and toward a practice rooted in mindfulness and personal resonance.
Photography, I discovered, is not about capturing perfect images. It’s about cultivating a mindset that allows us to see beyond the obvious, to pause and reflect, and to engage deeply with the present. This approach to art and life continues to shape my journey, encouraging others to see the extraordinary within the ordinary and to find meaning in the simplest of things.
A Practice of Presence
Motherhood brought an unexpected transformation to my life, shifting my perspective in profound ways. As someone who once embraced absolute freedom—spontaneously traveling and living life on my own terms—discovering my unexpected pregnancy at the end of week 10 felt like a jolt. Suddenly, it seemed like the life I knew had vanished. Throughout the early stages of motherhood, I missed my old ways deeply, sometimes moved to tears when hearing friends casually decide to hop on a plane to far-off places.
Yet, as I continued this journey, my perspective began to shift, and I found a new form of freedom through my photography. Each day, I captured moments around me, noticing a new depth and layering of emotions in my work. These images reflected my shifting reality, longing, and growth. I realized that life has no absolute lines or rules—freedom is not bound to being childless, just as having a child does not limit life’s potential. Doors open along the way, inviting new perspectives. With every captured moment, I began to see life as a lifelong art project, where change is the only constant.
This personal journey has deepened my commitment to creating art that resonates emotionally and therapeutically. Now, I find beauty in the small, fleeting moments I might have overlooked before, each one a source of quiet joy. Every night, before sleep, I view my photos from the day—a reminder that, in both art and life, the journey itself is what shapes us. Through photography, I am learning to see life with a fresh, open mind, accepting that freedom is less about circumstances and more about embracing each moment as it comes.
Vision Moving Forward
As I continue this journey, I am driven to create art that fosters connection, reflection, and emotional healing. Whether capturing the unspoken stories on city streets or abstract visions of the ordinary, I believe photography is a bridge between art and emotion. I hope to continue blending my past and present work, creating a space for viewers to connect with their own memories, emotions, and inner landscapes, finding beauty in the moments we might otherwise miss.
Contact：ms.he@hotmail.com