Tara J Smyth – Photographer & Designer
Originally from the UK, I have lived in Hong Kong for over 20 years. During that time I have found myself wandering away from the main streets, leaving the beaten track behind, and exploring the lesser known, and often quite grubby, little back streets where a whole different world takes place. Deciding to document the ‘nitty gritty’ of life in HK’s back streets, I started to see something extremely beautiful. Where others might see rubbish strewn out of the kitchens of a busy Chinese restaurant, I see colour and texture and form. Rusty metal gates and peeling paint on dirty walls start to become the building blocks of my collages. Life in Hong Kong has been described as vibrant and colourful, ad infinitum, but the nitty gritty of life in its back streets is where the heart truly beats.
When I am not out exploring with my camera, I am in the hills hiking with my dogs or travelling around the region. I am supported by my wonderful husband and our two daughters who occasionally tell me my pictures are cool.
I would love to hear from you….