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Photographs taken in Hangzhou and Shanghai, China, September to December in 2002. Photograph subjects range from Chinese cities Shanghai to Hangzhou and everything from intimate home sessions with friends to DJ parties to restaurant and cafe grand openings. I've called this photo series "Homebody December 2002" because of my preference of staying home sheltered from the cold and rain - avoiding massive puddles in already soaking wet shoes and jeans, freezing temperatures and angry rain, is nothing to look forward to. It's an ideal winter night when I can wrap my hands around a mug of green tea and chill under the heater while watching a pre-release DVD ;) What do you do when you don't have a heater in your home? Grab a warm body and lay next to it. I gave an hour-long speech 300 students at "Dong Fa" University in Lin Ping city. The topic was "American Holiday Culture" and I talked about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. In China, the holidays aren't celebrated, yet they know and love talking about Christmas. After my speech, students were given time to ask questions. One of them asked, "This time last year, you were with your family and friends in America. Do you miss your family?" I thought about the meaning behind the holidays. The real meaning is hidden behind the immense sales and shopping fever. No doubt, in these modern times, the real purpose behind these celebrated holidays has been lost behind the Santa Claus driven retail marketing. Give the gift that has no price tag and will never be forgotten or returned ... your time and love to your friends and family.
- Wilson,
December 22, 2002 |