While I’m Here
Somewhere between wiping down bags of groceries and scouring for toilet paper, our existing conditions of normalcy were disturbed. Over the past few years, we've all experienced challenges, struggles, and losses as a result of the pandemic.The daily reality for many got worse before it got better; But beyond the statistics and news headlines, there are countless individual stories of heartache, resilience, and hope that deserve to be heard.
On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global health pandemic. Individuals depicted in While I’m Here were encouraged to reflect on and take inventory of their thoughts and feelings. They received no additional instructions other than this.
Through this project, I had the privilege of sitting down with people from all walks of life to hear their personal accounts of how the pandemic affected them. From healthcare workers on the front lines to small business owners fighting to keep their doors open, from parents navigating the challenges of remote learning to individuals struggling with isolation and loneliness, these interviews capture a range of experiences and emotions from this time.
These stories offer a glimpse into the human experience of the pandemic. They remind us that behind the numbers and statistics, there are real people with real stories, and that we are all in this together. My hope is that this book will serve as a reminder of our shared humanity and resilience, and inspire us to continue to support and care for one another as we navigate the road ahead.
So join me as we listen to the voices of the pandemic, and honor the bravery and strength of those who lived through it.
While I’m Here is a reflection and culmination of my existence in proximity of
Since then, While I’m Here has received local acclaim by the likes of Soft Times Gallery as well as Bob Cut Mag.