A Short Distance

2020 has been a globally transformative year; an opportunity to pause, reflect, reset and redirect. The pandemic forced all of us into our homes, with varying degrees of isolation from those around us, as we entered periods of national lockdown. Based in the beautiful countryside in Kent, England, I took this series of images to portray the perseverance and display of community and solidarity that has characterised our shared experience of what continues to be a tumultuous and confronting year. For those fortunate enough to have access to wide, open spaces, the consistency and uninterrupted peace of nature provided great comfort and reprieve from the often-nightmarish reality that is Covid-19. Families who might otherwise not have spent as much time together took to the trails, armed with smiles and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the simple joys the virus still hasn’t taken away from us. Businesses diversified their offerings to stay open to customers, selling fresh produce and essentials, people delivered food to their elderly neighbours and children adorned windows with rainbows for the NHS. On Thursday evenings at 8pm, streets became outdoor stages to clap for and applaud our healthcare heroes, with people of all ages emerging from their houses with pots, pans, instruments and glasses of wine in hand. Whilst social distancing remains a firmly enforced regulation around the world, and it often seems like we still have a long distance to travel towards restored economic, social and environmental wellbeing, our collective commitment to ensuring we shape an improved, ‘new normal’ has affirmed that our challenges and goals will forever keep us united and, in fact, not so far apart.