WONDER’s birth story.
It all began when I was gifted a will-writing software for Christmas… and decided if my life was cut short I would want my work put towards something good.
I ideated an evening spent celebrating the outdoors and the creativity it inspires, and felt envious of the people attending this event in the year 2097. An evening full of art, music, and community sounded like something I needed to be here for.
Where loved ones and new friends can come to feel inspired and energized, taking away a sense of excitement for the world around us.
With no plans to go anywhere anytime soon, this random funeral brainstorm sesh transformed into the birth story of WONDER; my first-ever exhibition.
The good news is, there’s a lot more where this came from.
All event photos by Stefano lombardo
live performance by yellow magnolIAThe “something good”
The something good is ultimately more kids & families outside, sooner.
Why? Well, time spent in nature has shown me more joy than I thought possible. It’s healing. Everyone deserves access to this tool, and that first step outside can be the hardest part. Beyond that - this deep appreciation has impacted the way I treat the Land. And we all know the environment deserves better treatment.
Child & Nature Alliance of Canada is a leading national charitable organization that is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships between children, families, and the Land, in partnership with Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers and communities. They break down barriers to unstructured, outdoor play in education, and empower children and youth to connect and build reciprocal relationships with the Land.
All profits went to Child & Nature Alliance, and I am ecstatic to share that a donation of $1525 was made on behalf of the guests of WONDER. That’s right, you did that.
THE EXHIBITION
THE EXHIBITION
Below you will find the series of images and stories told at WONDER.
Horseshoe Bend, Arizona / October 21, 2018
Formed by the Colorado River looping around a sandstone escarpment, the iconic Horseshoe Bend attracts tourists from around the world. This landscape rarely sees alone time – only in complete darkness or dreary weather. In this case, a rainstorm sent bus loads of people running for cover, allowing the remaining soggy people to enjoy a quiet moment of sunshine after the storm – my Dad, myself, and the stranger pictured on the edge of the cliff. Caught in a candid moment alone with their gaze fixated on the horizon, one can't help but wonder about the thoughts running through the person’s mind. I like to imagine they were having one of those revelations of how tiny we are and how small all our problems are in the grand scheme of things – I sure as heck was. Impressive landmarks like this have a way of putting our individual problems into perspective, and their beauty compels us to consider how we can tread more lightly as we walk the planet. This photograph exemplifies how natural wonders can inspire introspection and provoke questions about our place in the world. As you immerse yourself in WONDER, let this image guide your own contemplation. I would like to invite you to consider the infinite possibilities that lie beyond the boundaries of our individual lives.
Nikon D3300 with Nikon 35mm f/1.8 | ISO 400 | f/11 | 1/400
1. Embracing Solitude
Horseshoe Bend, Arizona / October 21, 2018
If you look far below the cliff edge where people drop their selfie sticks and sunglasses, you will see the tiny campsite from an intimate rafting trip on Colorado River. No fancy luxuries or unnecessary clutter, just the essentials and the unwavering spirit of adventure. In contrast with the towering cliffs, the tiny sign of civilization on the shore of the river caught my eye. There is something so special about humans disconnecting from the rest of the world to enjoy time spent in nature together. I felt a longing to be down there, and dreamt of embarking on expeditions of my own one day.
Nikon D3300 with Nikon 35mm f/1.8 | ISO 640 | f/8.0 | 1/60
2. Tiny Little Adventure
Uluwehi Falls, Kauai / February 18, 2020
After a kayak trip up the Wailua River and a trek through the lush rainforest valley, this hidden gem awaits. On this particular day, the path was shared with barefoot locals, adorable baby ducks, and T-rex imitators (IYKYK). Laughter echoed through the forest as we navigated the route. This sound was gradually overpowered as we approached the cascading waterfall. We were greeted with water surging against a magnificent wall of lush green plants and surprisingly, a flock of chicken. I was mesmerized by the energy and force of the waterfall, and all the life that thrived in this corner of the planet. It served as a reminder of nature's secrets hidden away from the hurried pace of the outside world, waiting to be discovered by those who venture off the beaten path (ideally barefoot).
Canon 5D Mark IV with Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4 | ISO 100 | f/1.4 | 1/5000
3. Secret Falls
Hella, Iceland / October 3, 2021
As the northern lights season began in Iceland, whispers of anticipation filled the hotel, fueled by the promise of a vibrant night sky. Excited by all the talk of this at dinner, I hurried back to my room and set up the aurora wake-up service on the room telephone. Little did I know that minutes later, I would receive a call announcing the arrival of the northern lights. In my eagerness, I tripped over my borrowed snowsuit that was six sizes too large and raced outside, my jaw dropping at the lights overhead. Choosing a spot near a serene pond lit by the glow of the star observatory, I immersed myself in the show. The phenomenon drew people from every corner of the world speaking all different languages, and you could feel their collective excitement radiating from the roofless observatory. I sat there in complete awe as the lights painted the sky with hues of purple and green. Throughout the night, nature herself unveiled the most extraordinary performance and opened our eyes to the infinite wonder that exists beyond our earthly realm.
Canon 5D Mark IV with 24-70mm f/2.8 | ISO 800 | f/2.8 | 13 sec
4. Under the Icelandic Sky
Somewhere on route to Landmannalaugar / October 1, 2021
Tucked away in the Icelandic Highlands, there are mountainscapes that appear to belong on another planet. Only accessible by F-roads that call for a 4x4 vehicle, the journey to the Highlands entails navigating river crossings and embracing the use of Gravol. Halfway through the drive, we hopped out of the super jeep (basically a van with incredibly obnoxious wheels) to take in the panorama. The snow-dusted green hills rolled gracefully, mirroring their beauty upon a tranquil, glassy lake. It was complete silence – no human chatter or bird song filled the soundscape, allowing the view across the shore to captivate our senses. The stillness felt both unfamiliar and liberating, and it felt as though time was suspended for a moment. There is something truly remarkable about untouched land that does not demand to be seen.
Canon 5D Mark IV with 24-70mm f/2.8 | ISO 100 | f/5.0 | 1/1000
5. Highlands Haven
Wickaninnish Beach, Vancouver Island / July 10, 2022
After a long day of enjoying the ocean’s playground, the sky was painted in a breathtaking palette of orange and pink. Unbeknownst to them, this surfer’s solitary walk home after their sunset surf became a moment frozen in time. Looking back, I wish I chased after them to get their story. But perhaps the mystery is more compelling – was this their daily ritual? Was this just another day in their books, and hence they did not need to look at the setting sun yet another day? I am curious to know if this individual will ever stumble upon this photograph. Do you think there is someone out there, right now, gazing at an exhibit with a photograph of you? Hehehe.
Canon 5D Mark IV with 24-70mm f/2.8 | ISO 100 | f/7.0 | 1/320
6. Surfer’s Commute
*Quick intermission*
Hello! Hi! WOW, thank you for reading this far – you are just over halfway through the exhibit and I want you to know how much it means to me that you are here. Before you keep reading, rest your eyes a little and have the nearest person baby bird you a snack for me!
Laugavegur Trail, Iceland / July 20, 2022
The multi-coloured mountains formed by millenia of glaciers and volcanoes are what draw people to walk this 4-day-long trail. If you look closely, you will see the small mountain hut where we cooked a pancake breakfast after a night spent sleeping in a tent held down by rocks to avoid blowing away. Eager to hike down to lower elevation and escape the chilling winds, we rushed out of the campsite first thing in the morning. My camera was comfortably tucked away – until we decided to look back and see how far we had come. We had been so preoccupied with the day's worries, fixated on our footing in the snowy terrain, that we nearly missed one of the most unique landscapes on the planet. It was a scene of raw beauty that almost slipped through our fingers.
Canon 5D Mark IV with 24-70mm f/2.8 | ISO 100 | f/11 | 1/250
7. Looking Back on Laugavegur
8. The Sky’s Symphony
Skógafoss, Iceland / October 10, 2021
Standing tall at an impressive height of 200 feet, the renowned waterfall Skógafoss has long captivated visitors from around the world. After admiring it during the day, my newfound German photographer-friend and I were determined to witness the northern lights above the landmark. With our fingers crossed, we set off on our mission at two in the morning. When we arrived, nature rewarded our persistence. Above the mountain, just beside the infamous falls, the lights danced, highlighting the silhouette of the rugged mountain range. After taking in the lights above and spotting a few shooting stars, we laughed at the chaos of navigating through the pitch black and being pelted by heavy mist which coated all of our gear. As the rest of the world slept, Skógafoss witnessed the enchanting magic that unfolds in the nocturnal hours. Even in the darkness, there is always a spectacle unfolding, waiting to be witnessed by those who step out in search of something extraordinary.
Canon 5D Mark IV with 24-70mm f/2.8 | ISO 8000 | f/2.8 | 10 sec
Bathsheba, Barbados / February 19, 2023
This rugged and wild landscape has become a legendary destination for the world's most skilled surfers, where they take on “Soup Bowl”. Nestled between a lush, green forest and the crashing waves of the bright blue ocean, the coastline along the Eastern shore is free of hotels and boutique shops. The coastline calls for those who are willing to embrace its untamed beauty and test their ability to stay afloat amidst the crashing waves. Guided by our new friends on the island, we embarked on an off-roading adventure that led us to a viewing point overseeing the ocean. I wonder if the driver traversing the road will pause to appreciate the breathtaking scene panning out their window. Perhaps it is just another local, familiar with the sight, carrying on with their daily routine. Though the road carves through the forest floor, it bends in perfect harmony with the environment around it. This photograph highlights that the human spirit and extraordinary are, in fact, not mutually exclusive; they exist simultaneously, requiring the environment to catch up to the fast pace of modern life.
DJI Mavic Air 2 | ISO 100 | f/2.8 | 1/250
9. Coastal Divide
Laugavegur Trail, Iceland / July 20, 2022
As we reached the final stretch of a 55-kilometer trek, an enchanting scene captured my imagination. The unmarked trail was surrounded by jagged green mountains, lush black and green rolling hills, and endless ravines. Of all the varying landscapes and colours I had witnessed, the detail I was most fascinated by was the electric green moss lining the tranquil river. Maybe it was dehydration– but I started to imagine that the moss was carrying fairy dust left behind by playful fairies. It was as though they dropped fairy dust on their way to visit the elves’ summer hideaway located in the green mountain ahead. The scene was straight out of a fairytale, with the emerald-green valley floor holding the spirit of all the beings that frequented this place. In this moment, nature revealed its ability to spark imagination and ignite a sense of childlike curiosity. It served as a gentle reminder that magic surrounds us, if we only take a moment to notice and appreciate it – just like you are doing right now. Thank you for joining us for WONDER.
Canon 5D Mark IV with 24-70mm f/2.8 | ISO 320 | f/9.0 | 1/500
10. Wonder
Final words from me.
I spent the vast majority of the day after in a happy cry. I was completely overwhelmed by all the love and support I received throughout the entire process.
When at a low in March – because, well, life happens – I looked around at the photographs on my bedroom walls and wanted to tear it all down and cancel the event. I felt completely disconnected from my work and the joy it emulates. The thought of stepping in front of a crowd and revealing myself to a room full of 100 faces felt impossible. I then remembered emotions are temporary, and reminded myself of why the heck I was doing this.
We all feel like imposters, I have no idea what I’m doing in any regard – the adventures, exhibit, and everything in between – but I did it all anyway, and you can too.
Thank you again for being here. I hope this experience made you feel something wonderful. All the love to you!
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