‘Evergreen’ is a collection of intimate photographs giving recognition to those who have lived alone following, as well as prior to, the pandemic.

Aiming to act as a source of reflection over the past two years of loneliness and grieving, this project allows the viewer to have an insight on the life of the elderly and take time to consider those who have been familiar to the term ‘isolation’ many years before the pandemic. The phrase “self-isolation” was used by the media to describe a mandatory action in order to keep people as well as those around them safe. For individuals living alone, being isolated often made them feel more vulnerable as they had no one to speak to or confide in.

“Evergreens don’t lose their leaves - they remain. Even through the winter” Myrtle, my 85-year-old family friend, informs me about the bush in her front garden, which is full of bright green leaves, in December. “It’s actually a Myrtle evergreen shrub, just like my name”. As I sit with her and listen, I begin to realise Myrtle is just like the shrub she is describing. Even through the lowest of lows, such as her husband passing away, she has been full of life - her vibrant energy affecting those she interacts with.

She has been a great inspiration to me and my constant reminder to stay positive even through the darkest of days.