Niki Boon Niki began taking photos as a hobby while living in Scotland. After moving to rural New Zealand and giving birth to her fourth child, she became increasingly aware of the way her children interacted with nature and perceived the world around them, and began to rekindle her inspiration for hidden art. Niki called the series of photos of her four children "Raw Childhood" (\»Childhood in the Raw\»).
"My children live without television or modern electronic devices."
"This lifestyle may seem unconventional to some…"
…but I’m so happy I chose to live in this magical place with my family.
"I document their days with natural behavior and uninhibited play."
"It's the physical recording of your childhood, life as it is…"
…In fact.\"
"And it's also a reflection of a childhood deeply rooted in my own past…
…when I enjoyed absolute freedom.\»
"It's a childhood I now pass on to my own children."
"I really want others to remember some aspect of their own childhood through my photos."
"I think the best part is when my kids come home covered in mud."
"They run and play wherever they want and live in harmony with nature."
"They belong here - wild and free…
…and nothing stands between their young souls and nature.
Living in the countryside involves a lot of work, that's true...
…but it’s great for kids to get a sense of what it’s like to have to work to enjoy what we have.
"They learn where our food comes from and about life and death."
"They fully perceive and understand this world and learn important, but not always easy, life lessons."
Preview photo credit Niki Boon
Based on materials from Boredpanda, Niki Boon / Website, Niki Boon / Facebook, Niki Boon / Instagram