When life insists on being hectic — and man oh man does it insist on being hectic even in this new year we call 2022 — one of the greatest gifts we have at our disposal is being able to engage with nature in some way. This could mean taking a bushwalk or an ocean swim, or relocating oneself onto a picnic blanket at our nearest park. (And that’s just the kind of helpful tip offered by our latest fresh faces, this time one from one of the world’s most isolated major cities, Perth, Western Australia... Keep scrolling to get their insider info for first-time visitors to this beautiful part of the country, and to find out what they’re looking forward to for 2022.)
But it could also be as simple as momentarily averting our gaze slightly upward and out a nearby window. Try this very earnest exercise the next time your brain is buzzing: Find a tree. Notice the colour of its leaves and the shape of its bough. Does it sway in the breeze? Does a magpie descend on one of its branches to pick berries for lunch? Can you hear a cicada’s song signalling that summer is still upon us? Or, perhaps, some rain has come to cool the pavement and hydrate the land. Breathe easy and deep, in and out, and arch your back, stretch your fingers, and enjoy this time of calm you’ve permitted yourself.
And now, meet Soloman, William, Abuk and Paris.
Name: Solomon Edgar Gutteridge
Nickname: Sol! (Sorta boring... I used to be called Mon, Soro and Sou when I lived in Tokyo though, which I loved a lot! They sound so much cuter haha.)
Age: 21
Star sign: Aquarius
What are you most proud of from the past year?
I think releasing my debut EP! That was a big step mentally for me and it’s opened me up so much more.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned over the past year?
I think this year I’ve finally learnt that the world really is your oyster, if you let it be. Sorta cliché but it really set in for me last year and I’ve just been going head-first into life!
What is your idea of happiness?
Hmm, maybe this is a little superficial, but honestly I just want to make music and spend time with friends! That’s all I need. That and coffee...
How can we make the most of our time on Earth?
Living unapologetically and doing what you love with no boundaries. Don’t set limitations for yourself, other people are already gonna do that for you!
The ideal Perth day is...
Perth, like in the city-city? I honestly love just walking around Northbridge, getting a coffee and working on stuff at a cafe! My fave cafe is probably Guilty Pleasure.
The best spot in Perth for first-time visitors is...
Hyde Park, 100%! You’ll see me there at LEAST three times a week.
What are you most looking forward to for 2022?
(Shameless plug) RELEASING NEW MUSIC! And the world opening up so I can see all my overseas friends.
Name: William Kalimba
Nickname: Will/Shuko
Age: 22
Star sign: Aries
What are you most proud of from the past year?
It’s hard to think of what I’m most proud of, as there have been many proud moments in the past year. I’ll say I’m most proud of landing on my feet.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned over the past year?
It really does pay off to keep working hard and pushing through, especially when you can’t really see where the ‘end’ is or what the final result of what you’re doing looks like. It’s something I continue to learn.
What is your idea of happiness?
To me happiness is when things feel just right. This feeling of ‘just right’ shows itself in many forms, but what comes to mind straight away is laughing hysterically at the most bizarre memes alongside people I really care about.
How can we make the most of our time on Earth?
We could do this by finding a balance between enjoying ourselves and living in a way that leaves Earth enjoyable. If we could find the space to connect within our shared experience as humans and then extend that care to the planet that sustains us, we could make the most of our time here.
The ideal Perth day is...
The ideal Perth day is one where the sun rises early enough to nudge you into the day gently. A day where you could drive inland just out of the city in the morning and walk through the bush trails, then find yourself moving to the coast by the beach and enjoying the sunset over the ocean in the afternoon.
The best spot in Perth for first-time visitors is...
The best place to go for a first time visit in Perth is the beach — the crystalline waters that greet you as they wash on our ivory sands are a stunning sight. You would find yourself in awe as the sun sets; a radiating yellow sits above the ocean and slowly falls into the water while a blend of oranges and purples dress the sky.
What are you most looking forward to for 2022?
I’m looking forward to 2022 ushering in connection in what has felt like a very fragmented time. It's exciting to think of travelling, seeing old friends and having new experiences.
Name: Abuk Majok
Nickname: Monica
Age: 24
Star sign: Aries
What are you most proud of this year?
Being a healthcare worker, and having been there for people providing emotional support. Also proud of all of the people frontline workers who worked tirelessly during the pandemic, we all did a great job.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve learnt this year?
Do not put Gorilla Glue in your hair! It’s permanent for your hair.
What’s your idea of happiness?
Total peace with yourself and others. My soul and my heart being totally at peace.
The ideal Perth day is...
Going out with friends and grabbing a few drinks.
The best spot in Perth for first time visitors…
Kings Park.
What are you most looking forward to for 2022?
My graduation after all the hard work!
Name: Paris Newman
Nickname: P
Age: 19
Star Sign: Cancer
What are you most proud of from the past year?
Moving from my small coastal town to the big smoke (Sydney lol) by myself for a few months to pursue my dream.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned over the past year?
I learnt how to crochet during the lockdown!! I also take pride in the fact that I know all the different Sydney bus routes and numbers by heart after catching them so much.
What’s your idea of happiness?
My idea of happiness is being healthy both mentally and physically, and surrounding myself with likeminded people who uplift me.
How can we make the most of our time on Earth?
By just enjoying the little moments, like that first sip of your coffee in the morning, and being grateful for what we do have rather than focusing on what we don’t have.
The ideal Perth day is...
Living down south, in Busselton, the most ideal Perth day for me is being able to reunite and share laughter with friends and family.
The best spot in Perth for first-time visitors is:
Definitely Cottesloe beach.
What are you most looking forward to for 2022?
Being able to travel overseas — I haven’t had the opportunity to explore beyond Australia yet.
Features Editor: Emily Royal Photos: Ebony Talijancich Fashion: Chloe Hill
Abuk is represented by Vivien's
Paris, Sol & Will are represented by Priscillas
We acknowledge the Whadjuk people as the traditional owners of Walyalup and the Nyoongar country, on which this shoot took place.
