SHENTONISTA

“If I could be a plant, I’d probably want to be a sunflower, because they just make people happy, and that’s what I like about them.”

“I think what should be taught in school is free play, which involves things like doing role-play with the children, and encouraging kids to express themselves, and not just fit themselves into a certain mould or go down a certain career path.”

“Something as subtle as tea is actually quite enriching to the mind and body, and I wanted to share this experience with other people, but it’s hard to share, because it’s quite intimate. So I thought the only solution was to have a space of my own so that I could have people over.”

You’ve seen the images, and read the features. Now, go behind the scenes with us as we take you through our full-day shoot for #ShentonistaOfTheYear 2021.

“One of the people I look up to most is the funeral director for my late daughter. She has taught me so much, and really inspires me to look at life differently, and to be a strong and independent woman.”

“I’m classically trained in piano, because I grew up in a family of musicians, but I didn’t like how regimental classical music was. I play the guitar now. I just taught myself since 1990.”

“Even though we don’t have four seasons here, I live in a make-believe world. I don’t care, I’ll go out in a jacket no matter the weather.”

“Brewing tea is like trying to bring a chorus of voices out harmoniously, so that one is not louder than the others, and so that things are in balance. It’s sort of like a journey. Some days, it really feels like a struggle, but the most joyful part is in the tasting.”

“What I like most about folklore is that they’re always kind of incorporating nature, or going back into nature and being very explorative. And then there’s always a lesson that’s learnt at the end.”

“I wish I had more time to spend with my kids, family and the Playstation, which to be honest, is still unopened in its box, but the second I get the chance to open it, Elden Ring will be first game that goes on it.”

“I believe that we should just do whatever makes us happy, don’t procrastinate, and take action while we still can. Each day we get through is one less day we have on Earth, so I cherish every day I have on Earth, live life to the fullest, stay happy, and have no regrets.”

“I’m in a band called QARA ROSA. We’re a Samba percussion group that seeks to fuse traditional Brazilian and African rhythms with contemporary showmanship and performance elements.”