SNS Locals London : Barclay Bram meets Sirui

adidas Originals returns its NMD S1 silhouette that blends simplicity with the signature NMD-style look. SNS London celebrates the release by linking up two of our favorite creatives, where Barclay Bram interviews London-based photographer Sirui Ma.

The "Sneaker Number 1" (that's what the S1 stands for) has a fully 3D Primeknit construction, BOOSt cushioning, and pays homage to the archival Marathon TR.

Barclay : Hi Sirui, tell us about yourself and what you do. How did you get into what you’re doing now?

Sirui : I was born in Beijing and moved around a lot growing up because my parents were journalists, so I was raised between Beijing, London, and New York City. I’m a photographer and now live in London. I suppose photography has always ambiently been in my life growing up, seeing my parents’ various travels through photos, etc. I dabbled a bit while I was in high school with painting, fashion design, and photography, but ultimately photography spoke to me the most. It feels the most accessible as a medium and I think it’s also a way for me to connect my interests in documentary work and fashion.

Barclay : Who (or where) did you originally draw inspiration from in your early stages? And is there anyone (or anything) currently that inspires you?

Sirui : In high school I was part of an outreach program at International Center of Photography in New York where I was first introduced to the darkroom, I think I’ve been mesmerized ever since (shoutout to Keiffer who was a college student teaching the class at the time who remains my good friend today!). I’m also grateful to have a mentor, Jima, who took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. Looking at his work continues to inspire me.

But overall, I think inspiration can come from anyone and anywhere. From meeting strangers in the street, looking at paintings, art from other media, or just small things in everyday life. Like the other day, I saw a small green leaf suspended and spinning in the wind on a spiderweb that was spun on my neighbor’s car’s rearview mirror. I'm still thinking about it.

Barclay : Why is it important to print your own photos? What makes this a craft?

Sirui : I wouldn’t say it’s important overall because it’s completely subjective, but for me it brings me closer to my work. I find the printing process to be quite therapeutic. I’m in pretty much complete darkness, can’t look at my phone… it’s meditative. To have physical control of the images I make feels… empowering? To have a physically tangible element of my practice is integral to me having a closer connection to myself and my work.

Barclay : Do you have any ‘insider’ photography secrets or tips that you can share with us?

Sirui : Just keep taking photos. Corny but true. Even if you start off by emulating someone else. Take what you like about other people’s work and put your spin on it, improve upon it. The more photos you take, the closer you’ll get to finding your unique voice.

Barclay : A lot of your work is informed by nature, why is that important to you?

Sirui : I find that being surrounded by nature is a way to reset my body and mind. Especially having grown up in three major cities, life gets overwhelming. Being in nature reminds me to pay attention to the life thats all around us even if we don’t always notice it. Some of my favourite photos I've taken have been of places in which nature makes itself felt in the city itself. I love that it's always there.

Barclay : What elements of your craft are you looking to develop in the next few years? What is your dream project?

Sirui : I would love to delve into moving image, I think it makes sense as a next step to my work as so much of my work is informed by cinema. Dream project… a documentary short film that would take me somewhere I’ve never been before.