Angela Fish Island

I took this photograph of Chinese model Angela on Fish Island, not far from my studio in Hackney Wick where I lived and worked for 8 years.

Fish Island was a part of my strange beloved neighbourhood. When you walked around, it felt like anything could happen and nothing was too weird. It was incredibly liberating to create from that place, surrounded by a community that rode on the same wave.

We walked into a complex of studios and climbed a flight of stairs. We found a flat roof section that looked like a made-up balcony with some plants in pots. We decided it would make a good spot for the picture.

Just as we were setting up, the guy who lived there opened the door right next to us to ask what we were up to. We apologised, explained and asked if it was ok to continue. He shrugged with an obvious expression as if he was saying "why do you even ask, it's Hackney Wick" and closed the door.

The mask was purchased at a dress-up shop in London's Camden called Escapade that since got shut down.

June 16, 2014. Fish Island, London, UK.