A year has passed, and the anniversaries of "the last time we..." occur daily. I've missed the freedom, the outdoors, the fresh air, the flowers blooming, the beauty of it all.
Katherine Paterson's childhood classic "Terabithia" is a magical forest where people's imaginations run wild and dreams come true. This series is rightfully named after the magical land, as it revisits dreams and appreciates the outdoors. My goal is to disconnect from our zoom screens and step away from our bedroom hideouts to a dreamy world of beauty, nature, and companionship.
Edition I: Define Beauty
"A combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight."
Edition I explores our perception beauty. What qualities of ourselves have brought us joy in this season? How have we grown to love ourselves? I've grown in confidence, in appreciating sunshine, and being more patient with myself and the world around me.
Edition II: Reconnected to Nature
Edition II is my vibrant, visual love story for the outdoors. I will do anything to get off that zoom screen in my dark and murky apartment. During the past year we have been forced to connect virtually, and while some have forgotten the loveliness of being outdoors, others crave the sunshine. I am the latter.
Edition III: I Want To Live in a Studio Ghibli Movie
I binged every Studio Ghibli movie over the past semester. Like Ponyo, Kiki's Delivery Service, and When Marnie Was There, I want nothing more than to run away from home and run in the flower fields of Howl's Moving Castle. Thank you Hayao Miyazaki for making my quarantined experience one of fantasy and fairy tales.
Edition IV: Tea Party Picnics
The one part of quarantine that absolutely crushed me was missing people. Relationships frantically moved in all different directions, and friendships I felt were my greatest ended up falling apart. But what brought back the distance was picnics. Having a reason to dress up, to feel a bit of normalcy, to eat cute foods, and sit in the sun rays, it's worth it.
The Terabithia series was created as a project to confront my experiences with quarantine intertwined with my need to create something personal. Special thanks to my lovely models who took part and to everyone who encourages me daily.
Models: Kiana Ting, Keaton Strawn, Keila Asaoka, Annika Gavlak, Katie Brooke, & Kameron Asaoka
Music from Ponyo, Studio Ghibli