I'M STARTING TO LOVE MYSELF
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TAMMY YANG
PORTRAIT OF NIHARIKA SHARMA - STORYTELLER
Oct 2021, Southbank
"Do I really feel happy?"
At the beginning of the pandemic, all sorts of issues and problems hit Niharika. She was not happy with the situation and herself. Lockdowns were dark and overwhelming for her, but it was also a good time for her to finally think through and make up her mind.
No more 100% perfect, no more insecurities about looks, no more standards & criteria! Forget about the "Odd Bunch"!
"You are a beautiful and confident human in your own way." She said.
LOOK HOW THEY SHINE FOR YOU
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TAMMY YANG
PORTRAIT OF MICHAEL TIAN - STORYTELLER
Aug 2021, Hawthorn East
People inspire people.
Michael enjoyed his study and life in Melbourne a lot! But in 2020 - his last year of uni, that freezing winter and prolonged lockdowns made his ideal life fall apart. He missed his friends who were going back to their home countries and his old life.
To sustain himself, he found a job at a gallery where he met a number of interesting visitors, especially kids coming with their families. It reminds him of his childhood. Their lovely smiles and carefree conversations in a way inspired him. He shared his big bright smile and candy in return.
After all, saying goodbye to the old beautiful time and welcoming a new phase of life wasn't that bad at all.
JUST TO LOVE AND BE LOVED
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TAMMY YANG
PORTRAIT OF JASON HE & CHLOE CHEN - STORYTELLERS
Sep 2021, Carnegie
From "Love at the first chat" to "Love develops over time"
The Intimate relationship is a life-long lesson. When everything is contained in such a small space during the lockdowns, things can explode in many crazy ways.
In the past 2 years, “lockdown” became one of the biggest challenges for marriages and relationships.
Jason & Chloe, a young couple who married when they were 22, used their unique ways to communicate and tried to solve their issues.
COMING OF AGE
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TAMMY YANG
PORTRAIT OF BEN TAEHEE KIM - STORYTELLER
Oct 2021, Docklands
"Last Friday night, I was in Melbourne Central. Everything is opening and bustling but I was just sitting there alone on a bench with my mind."
Lockdowns were the time when Ben felt lonely for the first time in his life. The first page in his 20s, no uni life, no friends, no swimming instructor job. But, it wasn't that bad for him. In his quiet room, finally, he can sit with his mind, relax, and recharge.
He read, studied, exercised, cooked, and even spoke Korean with his rice cooker. He found out that instead of seizing every opportunity, sometimes it's fun to enjoy the time with himself.
Now in 2022, no more lockdowns, but he keeps his "lockdown lesson" - to sit with his mind whenever he needs.
EMBRACE THE CHANGES
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TAMMY YANG
PORTRAIT OF JING YANG & LIZ LI - STORYTELLERS
Sep 2021, Hawthorn East
"Make Love, Not CO2!"
We all had enough of “stay at home” time in the last two years. Jing and Liz made the most of their “home time” by experimenting with their green & cool lifestyles:
Compost bin, garden landscape, homegrown veggies, green fashion,…
When Jing realised travel restrictions could become the new normal in post-pandemic life, her 'travel around islands' dream seemed a bit unreal. She made her decision to welcome a new member to the house - Tux, the sausage dog!
"Living the life you love" is an evergreen goal for them no matter where.
IMPACT
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TAMMY YANG
PORTRAIT OF RITIKA SAXENA - STORYTELLER
Nov 2021, North Melbourne
She cares about her family, friends, and community.
As a STEM woman, and a PhD student in Stem Cell Medicine, Ritika always carries the responsibility to make an impact on the community.
She set up a social initiative 'Floralrestrict' which sold face coverings made by international students to support them financially during the lockdowns.
From hand-made face coverings to cell research, every step for her is part of her endeavour for a better future.
