My leap of faith has become the thing I wish to do, every single day.
Magic that I believe lies in being seen, continues to unfold in each story I experience, document and then share. My heart continues to grow with admiration, with every individual who leaves me humbled by their generosity.
This little idea enters the second chapter, of the second century.
Photography & accompanying text by Meg Khan © 2022
Broadway Market 3:00pm 18/05/2022
The great Jack Kerouac once shared,
“Live, travel, adventure, bless, and don’t be sorry.”
These simple yet poignant words resonate with those of Tito. Here is a soul who yearns for such freedom where life is lived, travel is embedded into one’s very existence, and adventure, well that wraps itself around it all.
Tito proves that wander equates beautiful possibilities.
Twelfth House 2:10pm 24/05/2022
I saw such sincerity, tenderness, humility, adventure, imagination, bravery, kindness and a delightful radiance in your eyes during our afternoon together, Mel.
Our conversation began to unearth the many stories that sit inside your wonderful creative mind. And I know one day these tales will fill the pages of your many beautiful novels.
Truman Brewery 2:36pm 26/05/2022
This is the well-known, unknown figure who sits behind the art, creating the connections, joining the dots, all the while, illuminating the walls and spaces of East London.
Broadway Market 3:18pm 27/05/2022
Magic,
personified.
Jealous Print Studio 12:22pm 29/05/2022
Something rather special exists within the walls of Jealous Gallery & Print Studio. Meeting Ines I felt it again. It’s more than a group of incredibly talented individuals, it’s home to unmatched creativity.
Watching Ines work on a commission and listening to her share her process, I discover that a fascinating creativity embodies her own beautiful practice.
The journey each piece takes from idea to its very existence highlights how this fine artist’s mind works.
The story is there for you to discover, Ines has written her part.
Walthamstow 4:50m 08/06/2022
“My inspiration comes from everywhere, from everything, at all times. With this, I have created a silhouette for my clothes. One that can be lived in each and every day. “
Giuseppe speaks with passion about his love for fashion and design. A passion that began in Italy as a young boy and has resulted in his work being seen at many reputable fashion shows as a talented young man.
@Poetlab is how Giuseppe proves that anything is possible.
Dalston 12:30pm 09/06/2022
I listen intently as I am reminded within the first few moments of words I have held dear for many years.
“Courage does not always roar…”
As this echos in my mind, I learn of the path this talented dancer has taken and I can see such quiet determination. Imogen, who was the youngest person during her scholarship, started her degree at 16, has travelled solo and continues to perform as part of many renowned names, has shined through it all.
Dereham Place 3:30pm 09/06/2022
Paz’s philosophy,
“Move to the beat of life.”
Andrews Road 3:17pm 14/06/2022
Everyone needs a Rosie,
(this beautiful one in particular)
in their life.
Hackney Downs Studio 12:52pm 25/06/2022
From Australia, to London, walking the Camino, to the mountains of Pai, Thailand, to Sicily soon, Serbia and maybe everywhere in between, from copyrighting, Facebook, kickboxing, freelancing and finding freedom through his Mamiya camera, Isaac’s curiosity leads the way.
Shoreditch 5:09pm 28/06/2022
Exist. Layers. Philosophy. Time. Movement. Molecules. Existence. Light. Air. Love. Touch. Feel. Experience. Live. Visual. Language. Life. Draw. Sketch. Text. Words. Meaning. Confusion. Form. Adaptation. Understanding. Noise. Equation. Escape. Hide. Show. Talk. Listen. Perception. Space. Universe. Sound. Art. Freedom. Peace. Wisdom. Strange. Normality. Reflection. Illusion. Moment. Fly. People. Believe. Happy. Turbulence. Calm. Control. Power. Choice. Do Try. Translate.
Just some of the life he has lived, and all he has learnt.
This visualiser continues to consume every drop of his life.
Camden 2:46pm 04/07/2022
When the quiet voice begins to roar, when the “you can”, becomes “I can too”, when sketches become paintings, when the found object becomes a symbol of luck, when the studio transforms into a home, when one painting sold becomes a collection ten-fold, when a little faith begins to shine in the everyday, and when there’s a good heart, like the one Shem possesses, you simply understand why.
Islington 4:50pm 08/07/2022
Her many faces of power, courage and expression, coupled with an unwavering will to seek out and truly experience that little thing Purity calls peace.
The Pearl Hackney Wick 10:05pm 08/07/2022
When sheer uniqueness and an abundance of talent forms one unforgettable collective of musicians, you will find Babel Brass Band.
Hackney Downs Studios 1:16pm 20/07/2022
Buried deep inside each painting is one of his stories, within each layer, mixed into each colour, tone and shadow. There, amongst it all, you will find Tom. Paintbrush in hand, making sense of it all, and finding the answers that will help shape the years ahead.
William Morris Gallery 3:45pm 21/07/2022
With writing, comes freedom. Through words, understanding surfaces. And as Sophie’s first novel takes shape, the opportunity to give life to past experiences, blooms.
New ideas and possibilities are ever so thoughtfully added to offer reflection. New endings but importantly also, new beginnings fill each page.
The afternoon spent with Sophie, much like the surroundings we found ourselves in, filled my thoughts with rich colour and such serenity.
Clapton 12:40pm 27/08/2022
A dreamer.
Without compromise.
And with an endless desire to seek out what might be next.
The Lighthouse & Gardens 3:40pm 27/08/2022
She makes it ALL happen.
Exceptional, Apparan.
Bow 12:20pm 30/08/2022
The adult-size, child-like, painter, photographer and rather unique instigator of ideas, accompanied by his iconic Pink Bear, creates narratives exploding with an opportunity for a new world.
Power League 12:10pm 19/09/2022
Catch her if you can!
Two More Years 3:40pm 23/09/2022
To exist is to create.
As a child pencil in hand, a distinct character began to take shape. Those early creations later became the stepping stones for what propelled Vane to take many creative leaps.
From drawing, painting, industrial design, Colombia, art, London, the spray can, street art, connections, Colombia, another leap, back to London, more contacts, Kew Gardens, Chelsea, Camden, Hackney, Belfast and leap again.
This incredible artist proves that the work comes from the endless pursuit of discovering who you are.
Old Street 3:14pm 27/09/2022
What began with a sketch of a flower all those years ago and a flurry of encouraging voices that surrounded this wonderful artist, was something rather special.
The ever so supportive parents, a loving gran who has kept that drawing to this very day and a teacher, who saw such potential that the small needed to become larger artwork for the world to see.
After many a long journey from Devon to London, and back again, each time painting on the streets of this city, Mel began to find her way. Her wings, much like all of ours, may be weathered at times, but are always in flight.
Broadway Market 2:45pm 30/09/2022
Try. Give it a go. Imagine what it could be. Shape your heart around it. Learn to see it from every side. Remind yourself that it can be anything you hope for. Know that it changes as you do. Share it with others. But keep it safe.
Life, it’s here just the once. Feel it, every, single, day.
I noted these words down after my time with Daniela that September afternoon. Her story reminded me that it, this life, is the greatest opportunity of all.
Woodford Green 1:43pm 02/10/2022
My learning that Sunday afternoon;
to awaken the sleeping self, listen to the depths of your soul.
Thank you, Cara-Jane.
Your words, transform.
Patchworks 4:40pm 03/10/2022
When the pursuit of one’s truth requires a lifetime of honesty, courage must prevail.
That courage transcends further than one’s everyday. It can find its way into the lives of others and can offer hope.
Nadia, her pursuit, her courage is seen in words written and spoken, in her photography, and in her intentional approach to life.
Hackney Wick 3:56pm 13/10/2022
Give him a wall, a piece of paper, a hoarding, or anything in between, and Maikelwalkman will create. He will give life to an idea, a character, a story, one that didn’t exist before that very moment.
Along the streets of London or Spain, during a gig or event, you will find Maikelwalkman illustrating the very story playing out in front of him. A rare and incredible talent, and human.
All My Friends 4:46pm 26/10/2022
Talent. Style. Vision. Artistry. Each in an abundance and each, twice over. Meet Moolark, one half of the incredible duo, Concept Object.
To seek out, preserve and share the beauty that lies within the audio experience is at the very core of their practice.
And, travelling the many miles across the country, in order to save a part of history, is another.
Spitalfields Market 2:05pm 05/11/2022
Imagine a mind full of ideas, imagine a mind compelled to try, imagine a mind that only sees possibilities,
imagine such imagination,
it’s there I found Kristin.
City Place Coffee Wanstead 7:10pm 30/11/2022
For a story, within a story, of another story, this great storyteller shares her lifetime of experiences.
Avril, my friend, write that book.
Woodford Green 3:40pm 18/12/2022
Warmth. Nurture. Honesty. Encouragement. Love. Family.
And such passion for life.
Seen all in you, Jenny.
The Koppel Project Bank 2:15pm 12/01/2023
Joining the dots of life,
one powerful leap at a time.
Leyton Green Studios 14/01/2023
Fashion & Art Director. Stylist. Brand Consultant.
Networker. Community Maker.
Passionate. Daring. Ambitious.
Sustainability ten-fold.
And the thread that binds it all, her natural ability to transform an idea into existence.
Vans Covent Garden 5:15pm 15/01/2023
The wall, is her canvas. The characters she brings to life, are her tools, and the space they occupy, her opportunity.
KMG gives voice to the unseen and unheard. All with such sensibility, integrity and her warm, defiant wit.
Gail’s Bakery Wanstead 11:45am 19/01/2023
As a husband, father, son, brother, actor and, for each one of the characters he creates meticulously, Stuart thrives at living his part purposefully.
Acting, much like life, is a problem that requires solving, Stuart shares. One he enjoys working through and translating the very words written on paper, to stories on screen.
Broadway Market Hackney 4:50pm 15/02/2023
I
am
seen.
(A gift, shared)
East Art Gallery 12:50pm 20/01/2023
Where there’s a will,
you will find an exceptional woman like Kim Matthams,
finding a way, or five!
Leyton Green Studios 3:45pm 20/01/2023
As a catalyst for change, Lydia seamlessly reinvigorates the textiles that adorn her studio.
Through her lived pursuit for sustainability, a passionate community with a shared mission, grows with her.
Leyton Green Studios 3:25pm 25/01/2023
With her heart and creativity woven together as one, Humeera sets out to give voice to her culture and heritage.
This solidarity not only celebrates the beauty that lies in both, but also raises awareness on the injustices.
Denim as her canvas and with a new studio filled with such potential, Humeera’s next collection will, without doubt, elevate her powerful story.
Wood Street Bakery 3:55pm 27/01/2023
By soaking in every corner of the place she calls home, Holly tells the story the delightful coffee shops, the range of classes to perfect a skill or three, the pop-up and we’re here to stay gallery, the vintage, brand new, handmade markets, the lights on and drinks are pouring festive events, and of course, everything in between.
Fuelled by her own irrational love for her Ends, (to quote Zadie Smith), Holly truly lives E17.
Hackney Downs Studios 2:45pm 06/02/2023
The wall stands to provide shelter, a place for ideas, a means to protest, to share creativity, and to tell stories.
For the exceedingly talented CommonRoom, the very walls that construct each room in our homes, are the greatest canvases of all.
With that, this talented trio seeks out incredible artists whose work becomes the ever so unique CommonRoom wallpaper. Giving room to a whole new way of storytelling.
Hackney Downs Studios 3:20pm 06/02/2023
Alice, the quiet talent, whose creative brilliance echos within the words only she can write.
Leyton Green Studios 3:55pm 08/02/2023
A studio filled with inspiration, years enveloped in design and drape, innate focus where hours pass and rich colours exude her every piece.
Kate Walker, the creative mind behind such design where the female form radiates, and the women themselves, see anew.
William Morris Gallery 1:00pm 03/03/2023
With ideas a plenty, and the ‘someday I will’ thinking, time can pass us by. Yet for Jules, the potential of a great plan, coupled with a community wishing to share, transforms a time of difficulty, into one of hope.
The gift of giving is there for the taking, Jules shares.
East of Eden 3:35pm 04/04/2023
When touch, a breath, focused movement, and a desire to listen, become the fundamentals for life; true connection transcends.
Through this means of existence, Eleonora travels through life at an intentional, rhythmic pace. One that goes on to sooth, reset and help others to pause.
Wood Street Bakery 5:45pm 04/04/2023
When stillness found its way into every corner of life, limiting moments of community, Jenny decided to switch on her oven and bake.
Cycling through Walthamstow each week, Jenny left a trail of delightful aroma and joy shaped goodness through her pastries.
Bringing life again into a space with such history, Wood Street Bakery has also become a name firmly engraved in this neighbourhood’s history.
Skandihus Walthamstow 4:20pm 11/04/2023
Stine found her way, by seeking an existence which transforms, both oneself and another.
By creating spaces and classes, clay soon became her home.
London & USA 7:25pm 12/04/2023
The intangible, yet incomparable, power of the words that begin in the mind of Morley, sit waiting to be found.
‘IT’S NOW OR NEVER’ He said.
Gigi’s Dressing Room 9:10am 20/04/2023
A force of nature.
An acute understanding of the layers beyond our very skin.
A heart that feels each soul that enters her dressing room.
Gigi, your creativity, and sheer existence, radiates.
Pavement Orford Street 11:10am 20/04/2023
Meet the brilliant, Janna. She founded Pavement.
With steadfast conviction, and tenacity, coupled with her own childhood memories of the art for developing style, she meticulously curates this special space.
Here Now Always
Your warmth,
your kindness,
your heart,
and all your years,
are safely guarded by the five of us.