By Rori-TAI Williams
These images were captured in 35mm black and white film.
I am in awe of all the eccentric, fresh and lively food choices throughout Hong Kong, especially in my comfort zone, Sham Shui Po.
1. “Roasting Chestnuts”
Construction has taken over yet another intersection in Sham Shui Po, and it has prevented vehicles from passing through during business hours. This vendor set up her cart in the middle of the intersection — directly in front of the construction sites. She did this last week at a site several blocks away. I wondered how many sites she visits regularly. The vendor refuses to have her picture taken or even speak to me now that she realizes I have no intentions of making a purchase. In fact the first time I stopped by, she closed her eyes and turned her entire body away from me then slowly lowered her head with a look of disgust. I scurried away as fast as I could because I thought she might jump up in the air, spin around and dropkick me in the chest or some other part of my body. Now when I walk by she sometimes yells or snarls at me.
2. “? Eggs”
A friend told me they are called thousand-year-old eggs. I see locals eating them all the time.
3. “Fish & Other Meat Balls”
4. “Fresh Fruit Stand”
These vendors offer some of the best, fastest and friendliest service with the fresh fruit.
5. “Lunch Counter Setting”
This place is usually empty whenever I walk by, but I love place settings. It’s how I imagine a traditional Chinese place setting with a modern, minimalist influence.
6. “Purple Cane”
It is actually a cross between purple, burgundy and reddish-brown with a thin coat of wax. At 5 for $10HK, this vendor and I are will be seeing a lot of each other through the end of the quarter.
7. “Chinese Medicine: Abrus Cantoniensis from Thailand”
I started a series on the various ingredients in traditional and holistic Chinese medicines. I received assistance from a Collin Lau, photography student, who happens to be a local. He quickly deciphered the traditional Chinese characters in the text on the paper.
Sign at the bottom of the basket.
Text on the paper: “Proper, most original, Thailand tree branch. Chinese Medicine 1/12 Kilo = $6. 1/2 Kilo = $45.”
8. “Chopsticks & Tea”
Before I captured this image, I closed my eyes and imagined this: point-of-view angle from an actress sitting at a table on the set of some old-fashioned, Chinese black-and-white silent film.
