Artist Statement
As an Asian American student coming to New York from out of state, I felt a deep sense of uncertainty during my freshman year. Being far from home, in an unfamiliar environment, I often questioned whether I would find my place or truly grow here. Now, as a senior, I can look back and see how much I’ve changed. I came to New York searching for new opportunities—hoping to bloom into someone stronger, more confident, and rooted. This project reflects that journey.
I chose to document the cherry blossom trees between the Earth and Space Sciences Building and Harriman Hall because their slow transformation from bare branches to full bloom mirrors my own growth at Stony Brook. Each budding flower represents the small, steady moments that shaped who I am today. What began as uncertainty has become a quiet confidence, shaped by time, patience, and resilience.
This is a personal project that serves as a reminder that growth doesn’t happen all at once—it happens gradually, often unseen, just like the changing landscape I photographed. Through these images, I hope to share that sense of renewal and self-discovery, and to inspire others to embrace their own journey of blooming, even when the season feels uncertain.
INTRODUCTION
RESEARCH
These photographs are pretty I always love flowers when I saw these pictures it made me happy you did a good job of capturing the cycle of nature.
I think that this project is an interesting one. I would suggest that you look into the meanings of trees from where you are looking from to see their meanings in different places. It could be a fun way to contrast what your idea is talking about.
I really like your whole concept and how you chose to document the changing of time through the seasons. Previously, you have shots of plants during winter and now you have shots of the cherry blossoms documented from both the winter time and when it blooms. I really like the number of shots you took of the cherry blossoms since it really helps to show the transition of the plants.
I really like your photos, the captured focus on just the leaves and the plants combined with the blurred background is so captivating.