Ash K
My name is Ash K. England has been my home for 28 years, but to many I'm seen as 'The South African' because I was born in Cape Town. I carry that part of my identity with me in how I talk, what I cook and what I enjoy. I've always loved being creative, having been influenced by extremely creative women in my family throughout my early life.
Who I am now has also been moulded by my life in England.
I have lived in a few different places in this country but it's in Gloucestershire that I've had the opportunity to explore my creative side with activities like sewing, painting, upcycling and now photography, all while being a wife and mother - which I feel is central to my identity.
I've gained so much from this community and try to give back with my role as a volunteer hospital chaplain and my involvement in mental health services, both in hospital and in the community. They are such rewarding roles that I hope to develop and expand in, as I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute in a positive way.
I have always loved taking photos. Family and friends often get annoyed with me for constantly wanting to snap yet another pic. For me, it's about recording those moments that bring me joy, that touch my heart and feel like something I want to remember. So, my phone camera is often at the ready.
When I came across the opportunity to be part of a mindful photography experience, specifically for hijabi’s, well, I had to apply.
From the very first session I felt the benefit. It has opened my eyes to how taking a photograph with intention and focus can reveal a whole new way of seeing the world around you. It allows you to appreciate and look closer, looking beyond the superficial. Sharing the experience with inspirational, like-minded women makes the experience so much more rewarding.
The photographs I took reflects what I was experiencing at the time, or what I felt had special significance to me.
For example, the photo with my pointed finger signifies the nearing a prayer’s completion, which includes the testament of faith; belief in one God and the prophethood of our beloved prophet Muhammad (saw). The prayer mat featured is the one I bought during pilgrimage to Mecca about 12 years ago. It reminds me of how privileged I am for having been invited to perform Hajj (pilgrimage), a beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The photograph of the seagull elicits a feeling of such excitement. It was a beautiful winter's day in Bourton-on-the-Water; the sky was bright blue, and the air was crisp; there were so many people about and so many birds on the water. It was a delightful sight that to me reflected the beauty of creation and coexistence and the pleasure that we as humans derive from witnessing nature. The bird in flight is fascinating as it reminded me of God's words in the Holy Quran 67:19 where He(swt) says that it is He(swt) who holds them up in flight.
The photograph of my sewing machine is central because sewing brings me joy and I often find it a refuge from the pressures of life. I am grateful for this and the skill that I've been gifted with.
I chose to capture the Quran in low lighting to allow the words to be highlighted, demonstrating how its recitation illuminates the heart and brings peace to the soul.
"A picture paints a thousand words" is an old and apt saying for appreciating the power of photographs. It can mean so many different things to the observer, but the depth of meaning is spoken by the photographer, in what she has chosen to frame. I hope my framing tells a story of love and gratitude.