water doesn’t simply become the sea.
it has to take on many different forms
before joining with the ocean.

and just like the raindrop,
the stream
and the river,

you are meant to become
many different people
on your way to yourself.

-pavana

Elodie Kwan

Chinese American. Born in the United States but with cultural roots in Hong Kong, I have learned that we are both our roots and the flowers that grow from them. I have spent time understanding what it means to live in between cultures and now am redefining for myself what home really means. Woman. I embrace all that it is to be a woman. I won’t let society dictate what I can and cannot do because of my gender. I travel alone, I wear clothes that feel most comfortable, I stand fully in my own power, and I never hide my wild.

Photographer. I follow my eye and that has led me on some incredible adventures down dark alleyways, in the presence of hidden beauty, and into unexpected conversations. Writer. I let my heart lead and often times my writing is a reflection of my heart. As you will find in many of my written pieces, my sister is my best friend, travel companion, soul sister, and mentor. We continue to learn, grow, and push each other. My pieces are often reflections of our conversations. Traveler. I’ve lived in the United States, Spain, and Kenya and have found my confidence in traveling as a solo female traveler. I’ve caught the travel bug and haven’t been able to shake it since. Dancer. I feel music in my soul, in my heart, and in my body. Ecstatic dance, art cars out in deep playa, or grungy nightclubs - I find myself most in my body on the dance floor. Climber. Mother Nature continues to amaze me each and every day. Under the stars, on top of a mountain, or lying in the ocean - I am most at peace when surrounded by Mother Nature’s beauty.

Feeler. I navigate the world with my heart. I let it lead, and it hasn’t led me astray yet. I feel first, process second. Introvert. Extrovert. I gain energy both when alone as well as when surrounded by others. I tune into when energy is draining and find myself changing environments when my energy shifts. Talker. Listener. I process verbally and often share what is on my mind and in my heart. I also strive to hold space for others to be their most authentic self and share what is on their minds and in their hearts.

We are a collection of our self-defined identities. We are our past, our present, and our future. We are our roots and the flowers that grow from them. We are our work and our play, our hearts and our minds.

The photographs and writing you will find here are a glimpse into what I find beautiful in this world. They’re a collection of thoughts and feelings that have become a part of my identity. Just like water, I continue to take on different forms as I make my way to myself. I hope to continue to share this all with you. So please wander around here and out in the world. And hopefully one day, our paths will cross.

Adventure is out there!