I moved to Vancouver with my family in 2005 after failed attempt to have immigration status granted by the US, which I lived between 1993 - 2005. Not knowing so much about the city I relied on family friend's experience at first. But it turned out to be quite a contrary than what I sensed since her social life does not really extend beyond Chinese communities. So I started to wonder around the street trying to understand more about the city, which eventually became a series which I worked on unintentionally.

I guess for many tourists the impression they perceive of Vancouver is a city surrounded by beautiful scenery and lots of outdoor activities. Though it is not quite the case since many of the tourists came to the city in the summer, which is the only time of year the city received a clear weather. Like Seattle Vancouver is under the grey sky for the most part and the weather affects many of the residents' emotion. It is a culturally well-integrated city yet at the same time there's a distinct social divide between communities. It has voted as the most livable city on the planet yet the sudden increase of housing price has driving a lot of people out. Then there The Rockies which separates Vancouver from rest of Canada and acts as both physical and psychological barrier. The barrier provides a sense of isolation that reflects on the city and its residents.

It is a city with lots of contradictions. Yet this is what made Vancouver so intriguing.....and depressing