Photography by Sarah Hickson - Arts documentary, Social Justice, Culture, Travel

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As the UK went into lockdown on 23 March 2020, the gravity of COVID-19 & its implications were just beginning to hit home. I observed my own responses in quiet solitude - from intense activity to overwhelming fatigue. From information overload, to a need to withdraw. From calm rationality to anxiety & fear. The pandemic has thrown the world into crisis, & many of us have lost the familiar structures of employment, education & regular family life. Our living rooms have become classrooms, our computer screens the portals for work & social interaction. Whilst we learn to adapt to confinement & social distancing, our doctors, nurses & carers work tirelessly, caring for the sick & the vulnerable, our frontline workers keep essential services going through the crisis, & we’re seeing extraordinary acts of generosity, compassion & solidarity within our communities. The questions I have been asking myself in recent weeks are concerned with re-assessing priorities & building resilience - as individuals, & as a society. How has the pandemic affected our sense of belonging, our sense of community, our means of earning a living? How can we manage the uncertainty with flexibility & confidence? How do we prepare for a sustainable & more equitable future? I've been taking my camera out with me around my neighbourhood during this time. Having the camera in my hand grounds me, & gives me a sense of purpose. It quietens my mind, & helps me breathe & reflect. I’m noticing familiar things differently & making a series of images of my local environment during lockdown. I’m also doing research for projects in development - including a participatory work exploring landscape, the environment, performance & photography, & an artistic residency inspired by nomadism & nature. I’m thinking about them in new ways, staying open to new possibilities & opportunities. Staying actively hopeful. How have you been managing life & work through this difficult period of disruption? Do get in touch if you have any thoughts you’d like to share. I’d love to hear from you. Follow me on Instagram to see my latest Local Lockdown images.

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