Union Station is more than just a busy place, it’s full of stories and movement. Every day,

commuters take the same path, their lives crossing for just a moment before they go their separate ways. I’m fascinated by this flow, people rushing, pausing or simply passing through.

In my photography, I aim to capture the brief connections and energy of this space, inviting viewers to find beauty in everyday places where lives briefly intersect. My work highlights the art in movement and the stories these moments hold.

This photo symbolizes the theme of "Inside Outside" by placing a sparkling Christmas ornament—something that's normally indoors—on a bare tree branch outside. The ornament reflects the sky, trees, and surrounding elements, demonstrating the infiltration of the outside world into the interior.

The limbs of the tree are plain and natural, while the ornament is smooth and man-made. Putting them together signifies the union of nature and human tradition. It also makes us think about how something from inside our homes, like decorations and feelings, can be shared with the outside world.

Reflections in Transit explores the theme of inside and outside by capturing the layered reflections on a school bus’s mirrors and windows. I was inspired by a moment where I saw myself, the sky, and the surrounding environment all reflected at once—it felt like a quiet reminder of how we constantly navigate between our inner world and the one around us. Through this image, I want viewers to notice how perspective can shift depending on where you stand and how even everyday objects, like a bus mirror, can hold complex layers of meaning when you take a closer look.

This photo captures the reflection of the trees from the car’s window. I thought it was interesting because the reflection of the trees greatly contrasts the car, where one is man-made and the other is nature, but they blend in quite well and in harmony. The car symbolizes the movement in our modern lives, becoming a canvas for nature’s stillness, offering a moment where the outside world seeps into our everyday spaces. The reflection looks like memories or dreams, where it’s imperfect and distorted through the view of the car window, reminding us that nature is always around us and it could exist at the same time as industrialization.

This photograph captures the quiet intersection between nostalgia of the past and the present. As an individual stands at the threshold of a store filled with relics from another era, they are immersed in a moment that blends past and present. Through muted tones and a vintage aesthetic, my photograph seeks to reveal the beauty in everyday scenes, the kind that hold traces of time we never realized we were longing for.

When I captured this photograph, I was moved by the profound symbolism within the scene. The image portrays a resilient flower that continues to thrive despite being obstructed, serving as an allegory for human perseverance and fortitude. The flower’s determination to grow despite barriers reflects the principle that courage and persistence can help individuals overcome challenges. Much like the flower, humans encounter numerous obstacles throughout life. However, these adversities are often temporary, and with patience and determination, one can eventually savour the rewards of hard work. This photograph not only celebrates the triumph of nature but also offers a powerful metaphor for the human spirit’s ability to prevail against all odds.

Through photography, I enjoy exploring how natural and constructed worlds intersect in public spaces. I’m particularly drawn to capturing the unnoticed narratives within spaces we often overlook. Growing up in urban landscapes, I developed a curiosity about how design shapes our connection to the natural world.

Reflecting on the Inside/Outside theme, I focused on this at the Lincoln Park Conservatory in Chicago, where typically outdoor plants rely on an indoor environment to thrive. This paradox highlights how architecture bridges the divide between inside and outside. In these images, I examine the relationship between organic forms and geometric structures, inviting viewers to reflect on how environments—both indoor and outdoor—shape and influence our experiences and connection to the world.

I selected this image due to the captivating contrast between the sharply focused chain-link fence and the blurred bus and white van in the background. The fence stands out as the primary element, showcasing intricate details that draw the viewer's attention. In my editing process, I emphasized the fence further and applied a twilight theme, enhancing the overall image with cooler tones to create a more atmospheric effect.

As an artist, I explore how modern design transforms the spaces we inhabit. My work critiques minimalism’s clean lines and simplicity, which often strip away details that make architecture feel alive and connected. Through photography, I contrast the cold, uniform aesthetic of minimalist structures with the warm, rich character of older designs.

Places like Kensington Market inspire me with their history and individuality. Spaces overflow with creativity and culture and stand in stark opposition to the polished sterility of modern design.

My project invites reflection on what we gain and lose as design evolves. Are we trading personality and connection for simplicity? I hope my work sparks conversations about how spaces shape our feelings and sense of belonging.