From those within my everyday, to chance meetings, connections and reunions, one hundred stories have been told.
From laughter, tears, true joy and wisdom, to love, truth and hope, one hundred stories have been shared.
From an idea, a leap of faith and loss, to a future I hope to create, two hundred stories will now begin.
Photography & accompanying text by Meg Khan © 2021
Stoke Newington 7:30pm 23/07/2021
To truly know this Arien, to understand her, to see the inner making of her good heart, her intriguing mind and posed wit, you must first acknowledge that she isn’t the version that exists in your mind.
Such truth comes from more than what the eye can ever see.
Hampstead Heath 5:54pm 25/06/2021
I look ever so closely,
deep into her eyes,
her warm soul radiates, and,
her joyous spirit enriches all those around her.
Maggie Cohen,
you shine so very bright.
Caledonian Park 2:01pm 03/09/2021
In the story, The Little Prince, the fox tells the boy,
“Here is my secret. It is very simple; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
Listening to Meryem share stories from her life on that September afternoon, I was reminded of this tale. The North Star for her life, I learn, can only be an open heart.
High Street Wanstead 3:57pm 04/09/2021
To the writer,
the English teacher,
the unbeknown investor,
the science fiction enthusiast,
the kind uncle, brother and great son,
the skilled weekend footballer,
the soon-to-be author, and,
to one very bright, colourful friend, your future looks ever so promising!
Mother Works Canalside 3:01pm 06/09/2021
The friend everyone would want,
by their side.
Victoria Park 2:18pm 11/09/2021
Meet Lucy.
My rather delightful, exceptionally fun and witty, outrageously intelligent, completely dedicated and wonderfully crazy, friend.
And yes, she really is this gorgeous!
Redchurch Street 5:08pm 11/09/2021
As a talented chef, Mohammed steps out from the top kitchens in London with his camera in hand.
He creates incredible imagery filled with colours, lights, movement and a signature touch of magic into his photography.
Whether it’s an array of ingredients in a pan or the city skyline, his distinctive talent runs through it all.
More London Riverside 7:46pm 16/09/2021
From all our hours spent together working on new projects, to presenting as a team to corporate sponsors, to drafting the words to win another bid, to delivering workshops to hundreds of young people, to the endless printing, paperwork and reports,
through it all, Rob, there was always laughter!
%ARABICA Broadway Market 3:48pm 18/10/2021
It’s more than simply coffee, Yusuf explains.
Much like art, it begins with an idea to create something unique. To then nurture that idea, to lovingly harvest the coffee bean and then sharing it with the world to experience.
A great cup of coffee, Yusuf emphasises, lives amongst each story told, over each coffee shared.
%ARABICA Broadway Market 4:41pm 18/10/2021
In the pursuit of his vocation, Kai discovered coffee.
Not the quick caffeine fix, grande consumption type but rather an appreciation for the best.
Photographs of his latte art designs and his incredibly impressive academic achievements, highlight Kai’s innate ability to learn. To develop skills. To have multiple vocations.
And, to smile the whole way through.
Rye, Sussex 12:41pm 20/10/2021
Anthony Burrill, a man of few
(BRILLIANT, POWERFUL, IMPORTANT, TIMELY, WITTY, PROVOCATIVE AND EVER SO MEMORABLE)
words.
And as I learnt on that wonderful October morning in Rye, he is the epitome of a great storyteller.
BEHIND THE SEEN - The Burrills
Rye, Sussex 1:19pm 20/20/2021
Through her love for nature, a childhood connection with the outdoors and an unwavering acquisition of knowledge, she plants.
Through a unique skill and sprinkling of magic in her finger tips, and such tender attentiveness, she cultivates.
And, with the beauty I witnessed in this incredible garden, Emma Burrill brings life to it all.
BEHIND THE SEEN - The Burrills
Angel, Islington 4:37pm 26/10/2021
Air. Breath.
Stillness. Nature.
Gratitude. Energy.
Knowledge. Healing.
Oneness. Consciousness.
Connection. Kindness. Giving.
Serenity. Faith. Happiness. Home.
With one action, the dial moves. Through another human, understanding prevails. With time, a path appears.
“And in each moment, all of the above is up for the taking.” My learned friend, Natalie summarises, smiling.
Leytonstone 1:54pm 27/10/2021
It sits undiscovered. For an unknown length of time.
Maybe waiting for the exact moment when you’re ready.
Ready to take it on, with the strength that embodies who you are.
The courage that roars inside you. And the quiet resolve that this too will pass - you’ll make sure of it.
I walked away that morning, holding onto each word, moved deeply.
Your bravery shines, so brightly, Nicole.
%ARABICA Covent Garden 4:11pm 30/10/2021
A curator of design, art and imagery,
of words, information and stories,
of colour and composition,
of feelings,
moments,
and
…
Hackney Wick 3:34pm 18/11/2021
The brilliance of Wilfrid Wood, a story.
The sitter walks in, their life in tow. Their stories tucked into the fabric of their distantly unique face. Those first few minutes pass and the mood adjusts. A conversation begins. Stories are exchanged and what emerges are the true reasons behind this intimate portrait.
As lines are drawn, minutes turn into hours and then it happens. When the artist is invited, without words spoken, to look beyond the face, far deeper and share the very essence of what he can see.
BEHIND THE SEEN - Face Time with Wilfrid Wood
Kennington Park 3:49pm 20/11/2021
When you find what makes you feel intrigued, enthused, alive, inspired, creative, fulfilled,
and importantly able to do to anything you set your mind to,
you shine!
Just like my new friend and the rather wonderful young man Jack does, ever so effortlessly.
Oval 4:10pm 20/11/2021
Zoe possesses an ability to take a paintbrush, a set of ingredients, a needle and thread, some fabric, a polymer sheet and cutters, newspapers, found objects, inks and a screen, a handful of clay or plasticine, a postcard or print, a pencil, pen or computer program,
and bring to existence a unique new creation.
It’s her extraordinary imagination and an endearing interest in the world that shines through her work.
Apo Barking 12:43pm 30/11/2021
Shoaib with his trusted London Coffee Bike,
has become part of this growing local community.
From the incredible coffee served, the welcoming smile, his genuine interest in the residents, to the many wonderful conversations and exchange of great stories,
Shoaib fits in perfectly!
Kaffeine London 2:01pm 01/12/2021
Amongst the ambient lighting, the seasonal decor and some of the best coffee, two photographers are sat sharing their stories.
Joanna talks of a life and such experiences that stretch further than her youthful age, a course of study allowing her to better understand the human mind, the human experience, and a photography practise where she documents the world she can see.
The second photographer, once again, walks away moved by the human spirit.
Rankin Studio 4:22pm 06/12/2021
She is beautifully, Bonnie.
The Peanut Factory 3:55pm 07/12/2021
Stepping inside the space a sense of calm immediately takes over. You feel connected to the life being thoughtfully lived here.
Luna is rare. So too is her sense of joy, her passion for her craft and this engaging desire for fun!
This space, this bright individual, they both offer a real moment of calm, reflection and a sprinkling of peace.
Southbank Centre 4:06pm 09/12/2021
We learn of a shared love for design, photography, the Royal Festival Hall, of Wilfrid Wood’s work, of stories, and all before ever meeting in person.
Our time together is filled with such ease and conversation. Through a common thread filling those winter hours, we share stories of navigating our way through this crazy thing called life.
Diana is a beautiful, warm and wonderfully talented individual. Her story amazes, surprises, thoroughly intrigues and reminds me of why I started this very project!
Jealous Gallery & Studio 12:16pm 18/12/2021
It is unavoidable not to like Bench within minutes of meeting him. His softness, wit and kindness shines immediately.
His love for the creative process is a tangible feeling in the studio. The hours and days needed for each stage, from mixing the right colour into existence, adding each line and layer, marked and measured to perfection, Bench dedicates himself to bringing the work to life.
Sharing stories of his own art, his love for the sea, nature and the outdoors, offers a window into his life.
Bench is an incredibly talented artist and someone you would want to know.
Hackney Wick 3:18pm 07/01/2022
How do you write about a writer?
One who is so eloquent, beautifully witty, mature, fiercely independent, adventurous, courageous, talented and delightfully brilliant?
One who has travelled solo across South America, moving from town to town, absorbing the culture, history and its people?
One who forms part of a writer’s room, whose talent has been commended and who writes like one breathes?
The answer?
Well, by sharing a small part of of her bigger, wonderful, story.
Today Bread 12:22pm 17/01/2022
Risen from the simple desire to create a means through which moments are shared, the main ingredient for Today Bread, is people.
And at the beating heart of this growing community is Alex. A gentle, visionary, committed and fiercely ambitious baker, amongst many, many other things!
Central Parade Walthamstow 12:45pm 17/01/2022
A doer. An ideas person. An engaging communicator.
One who builds real community. One who shines so very, very brightly. One who embraces a challenge or ten with energy and a delightful smile!
Victoria, you’re simply and unquestionably, brilliant.
Jealous Gallery & Studio 7:30pm 18/01/2022
The lines, shapes and geometry, the patterns, shades and colours, each considered element reflects the talent that is Nick Tez.
Within the designs lies a start, a middle and ultimately an end. His methodical nature, a desire to engage and entertain, fills each of his incredible prints and murals.
And written within the intricate patterns is his name, quietly sat waiting to be discovered, or amusingly, not!
Pavilion Walk 7:25pm 19/01/2022
The dream duo!
Courtenay Mews 1:05pm 21/01/2022
His life.
His art.
North Cross Road 1:35pm 22/01/2022
To paint is to depict a moment. A moment in time, a moment of expression, a moment of turning oneself inside out, of discovery and confusion, a moment of happiness and also, grief, a moment of searching and beautifully so, a moment when one can be found.
As an artist, Laura embodies the humility, creativity, tenderness and courage needed to paint.
Glow, Walthamstow, 12:35pm 24/01/2022
Glowing ever so brightly,
with strength, rigour, talent, pursuit,
and a commitment to building a creative community.
Turps Art School 1:30pm 25/01/2022
Being the extraordinarily unique,
Phillip Reeves.
Central Parade Walthamstow 11:50am 29/01/2022
The walls of this small yet abundant space tell a real love story. One of family, tradition, adventure and travel. It also holds the magic behind the art of making and making it beautifully.
Diego perfectly orchestrates each stage of the process, the craftsmanship and detail, the experience and design, building each bike through his age-old love for cycling.
The roads of Italy await us.
Women’s Health Cafe Patchworks 1:30pm 30/01/2022
Knowledge is progress, and Jackie has acquired an abundance of it over many years.
She shares this understanding with each woman she sees and supports.
All with the desire that they too experience such progress that allows life to blossom.
Patchworks Leyton 2:30pm 30/01/2022
Meet Warren, a true East Londoner!
One who embodies that brilliant mix of character, resourcefulness, the courage and wit needed to create, an innate desire to share and a unshakeable sense of community.
Patchworks, sat at the very heart of Leyton, is built upon these incredible characteristics, for all to enjoy.
Shoreditch East London 4:10pm 01/02/2022
The neon street artist David Speed shares,
“Confidence comes from doing something well, repeatedly. So if you’re just getting started, you can’t be confident. You have to be brave.”
Much like his work which illuminates the streets of London, his words also pack a brilliant punch!
North Cross Road Market 10:50am 05/02/2022
JoJo Knits.
She has ideas, she designs and beautifully creates each and every piece. She strives to do, to be a maker, a creative, for her work to evolve and, to be seen and worn by many.
She is a beam of light, as she stands smiling, talking to the community she is a part of.
JoJo Knits, and is brilliant at it all!
North Cross Road Market 11:25am 05/02/2022
The quintessential market trader!
North Cross Road 12:45pm 05/02/2022
To pursue an idea, to have a vision, to build from the ground up with courage and patience, and a sprinkling of a little craziness, all begins with a leap of faith.
Vit+Kicks is such an idea.
And Matt, well he leaped!
Patchworks 1:10pm 12/02/2022
She sees, listens, feels and observes.
She offers space, perspective and experience.
She holds trust, a warmth and tenderness.
Christina, in her practice and in life,
always, always,
sees the whole person.
Clapton 12:30pm 14/02/2022
Real Hackney Dave.
The ABSOLUTE REAL deal!
Shacklewell Lane 12:50pm 17/02/2022
This warm, fun, energetic, caring and interesting human is a talented photographer, and once a musician, DJ, philosophy student and events organiser.
With this variety in tow, and through the power of photography, William ever so beautifully documents his love for nature, whilst offering an opportunity for change.
Leyton 12:29pm 01/03/2022
To persevere is to continue, to try, to find a way, to dig deep inside, and to do so in the midst of challenge.
Meet Charlotte.
She will now be my shining example of such determination.
New Cross 6:40pm 08/03/2022
This beautiful and ever so talented writer, poet, collaborator, filmmaker and creative director, is also a trusted sister, friend, and an advocate for good.
Sat in her home on that bright March evening, I learn that her creativity transcends from her love of people and a desire to offer that love through all she creates.
New Cross 7:10pm 08/03/2022
A seeker of honesty, truth and expression.
And in this pursuit she discovered her innate desire to create.
An inner creativity that would pave the way to being her most honest, true, self.
Host of Leyton 12:45pm 20/03/2022
She SHINES SO bright.
Leyton 6:22pm 24/03/2022
Think it, learn it, try it, work at it, watch it,
pause, reflect, grow, rinse & repeat,
the Kate Mayer way.
Whitechapel 4:15pm 15/04/2022
Amongst the colours and brush strokes, the challenge and loss, the love and grief, the endless playlist, Ant brings to life each of his incredible paintings.
Standing in his studio, I am immediately moved by his work. Surrounded by such striking portraits, we question what it means to really live life, to experience human connection, to love ourselves and others without exception.
Leaving his studio hours later, I feel so grateful for the reminder that real beauty lies in having absolutely no control of life. But rather, in choosing to try each day.
Manor Park 4:20pm 12/03/2022
An extra-ordinary kind of love.