Tales of Spice & Flavour - Ch. 5 - Dragon Dreaming
Festivals offer spaces for celebration and expansion. People gather to share stories and connect.
I've had the privilege of attending many in recent years. The thought-provoking conversations and intensity of community crack me open. This series is a homage to these experiences and the people you meet at festivals.
Dragon Dreaming in Wee Jasper, NSW was a recent venture in October last year. Set on the land of the Wiradjuri people, Lake Burrinjuck and the rolling green hills are visible across the whole site. The constant reminders of nature made it easy to ground at the festival.
I loved the variety of activities. It allowed me to move at my pace. I could float between dancing to jazz, watching a burlesque performance, or resting in a sauna by the lake.
A festival of firsts
It was a Dragon of firsts:
My first time attending the festival
My first media work for a multi-day festival
Inspiration for my first product launch.
People have a glow when they speak about this festival. Their tone of voice shifts. An energy charges through them. After they speak, they soften to a smile.
I had to experience it myself. Reflecting through my gallery, I noticed a strong theme - community.
For four days, I was surrounded by hugs and displays of affection. I feel grateful to capture a fraction of the embraces and small moments at this festival.
You can find my Dragon Dreaming photo gallery here.
I have so mush-room in my heart for you
My home base at festivals this past year has been Elders Roots. Their amazing banh mis lured me in. I stayed for the people. Elders Roots’ owner Tuan has created a safe space for festival goers. The vision he has for the brand is exciting to watch.
The Elders Roots team encouraged visitors to write in a journal I left at the stall. It had the prompt: ‘write something that will help the next person that reads this’.
The power of words astounds me. A message carries so much weight.
Thank you to Elders Roots and Dragon Dreaming for showcasing the kindness of people at festivals.
I have so mush-room in my heart for you.
Some favourites below.
Postcards
Writing notes to people is a love language of mine. It’s a thoughtful way to celebrate the connection you have.
The start of writing is the hardest part. Different thoughts swirling around. How do I express my gratitude on paper?
I’ve created a postcard pack to help you start.
This pack combines photos and messages from dancers at Dragon Dreaming and festivals around Australia. These dancers inspired me to create this postcard pack. Let their words help you write to your loved ones.
Buy the postcard pack here.
