“Ni Anglais, ni Français, Breton suis.” - Nikki Ouest

Ouest <West> is a loving nod to the northwest peninsula of France, home to one of a few remaining enclaves of traditional Celtic culture pushed out over millennia to the extremities of Europe.

My romance with Brittany, or Breizh <Bray-Z>, stems from childhood holidays, teenage employment, and more recently training to become an award-winning crêpier.

I take inspiration from the region’s independent spirit and its love of preparing simple humble food. It continues to help me strengthen my connection with my home city of Manchester and the northwest of England. Once a strong yet bland Celtic soup, now beautifully spiced and aromatic.

There’s an open invitation to join me in my joyful place, as I set about my current ambition to become a recognised professional photographer.
my first visit to ost-berlin was in February 1989, since then i discovered Freudenfreude - the feeling of joy in another person’s joy or good fortune.

It is this ethos that inspires XNO.

Seeing people exude their feelings and enabling them to share their inner thoughts and story through self-expression fills me with delight and wonder. Capturing that moment is magical.

A sense of place creates belonging and identity. It is a social phenomenon. Sometimes its a liminal space and that can be beautiful too. Being present within it is glorious.

Freeze framing expressive people in their happy place is  a joyous experience and my ultimate aim.
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