My America project has been a culmination of 12 years of work, spanning the country to capture the essence of this diverse nation. Drawing inspiration from Richard Avedon, Edward Hopper, Robert Frank, and William Eggleston, my goal was to explore the intrinsic threads of American culture. With six extensive journeys undertaken, I gained an insight into the ethos and pathos that shape the nation. One striking aspect that emerged was the prevalent issue of gun ownership. To some, it symbolises freedom in America, where the number of firearms surpasses the human population itself.

The portraits serve as a reflection of America. Each person, drawn from diverse backgrounds, becomes a distinct individual rather than a mere statistic. Against the light grey backdrop that removes social labels, they are a visual census of the American population.

Street corners, crossings, swimming pools, and roads are the fabric of society and where life collides. From the simple kerb stone or pavement to the vistas of Yosemite, these are all part of the building blocks of the great American dream.

Photography is often caught in its own science. I was influenced by Cornelia Parker's 'Cold Dark Matter' exhibited at Tate Britain. Witnessing that piece deeply impacted me, sparking the idea of creating a disturbance within the image. The bullets fired at the work are just marks on paper but act like a mirror for what is happening in American society.