Visual Essay 14 by Sophia Hsin

This year, we celebrate the Lunar New Year with Sophia Hsin, whose photography beautifully blends tradition with modern artistry.

We’ve invited Sophia Hsin for the 14th iteration of our Visual Essay Series. This series is designed to engage and connect with creatives worldwide, offering them the freedom to interpret Mud’s designs through their unique creative lens.


Sophia Hsin is a still-life, food, and lifestyle photographer based in Vancouver, Canada. Her impressive portfolio includes collaborations with Tourism Toronto, Apartment Therapy, People magazine, and more. Influenced by her background in classical music and design, and driven by a deep appreciation for craft and hospitality, Sophia’s work—rooted in her Taiwanese heritage—focuses on creating images that evoke an emotional response.

"The theme is Chinese Lunar New Year inspired, which is essentially our version of Christmas in Asia. It’s a multi-generational celebration that everyone looks forward to all year."

Sophia Hsin

“Since moving to North America, I’ve experienced more subtle versions of Lunar New Year, which I now recreate with friends and family. Food has always been a bridge back to the home I left behind—a sentiment many others share. This photo essay highlights traditional ingredients used during Lunar New Year, reimagined as modern still-life compositions with Mud Australia's ceramics.”

"Growing up, the festivities would start with spring cleaning, shopping for new clothes, fireworks, and driving down to nai nai (paternal grandmother) and po po (maternal grandmother) for family reunions. As a child, I adored the bustling markets, the excitement, and watching the aunties and grandma throw themselves into cooking the signature dishes to feed the dozens. And of course, the red envelopes. "

Sophia Hsin