By Jed Lanyon
Yarra Valley photographer Suzanne Phoenix has released her second stage of ’Isolation Portraits’ showing a glimpse of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic restrictions for people in the Upper Yarra Valley.
Over 60 households are now featured in two self published magazines along with their own written response of their isolation experience.
On the very edge of greater Melbourne, some in the Upper Yarra were shocked to discover they are considered ‘metro’ and included in Stage 3 of the State Government’s Coronavirus restrictions once again.
With art exhibitions virtually nowhere to be seen at the moment as galleries closed their doors, Ms Phoenix’s photographs are being exhibited as transparencies in the windows of four small local businesses The Flying Apron Patisserie, Baroona Produce and Pet Supplies, Nancy’s of the Valley and Yarra Valley Artisan Baker.
Since April Ms Phoenix has been photographing people at their front gate or in their gardens, backyards, paddocks, abandoned buildings, on their farms and even by the pool. Featured are some of the eclectic people of the area; from cowgirls, dragkings, farmers, academics, musicians and artists, tradies along with a menagerie of dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, chickens, turtles, sheep, pygmy goats and pigs.
“The second stage of this project was created from 15 May to 30 June 2020 and the community felt different compared to the first round of isolation,” Ms Phoenix said.
“Restrictions were still in place until the end of May, and then relaxed a little in June, but we were still in isolation and encouraged to ’stay home’.
“Some people were returning to the workplace and transitioning from home schooling. People seemed to be going back to the usual busyness of their pre-Covid-19 lives. There was less willingness and ability to participate in this project. Many people also appeared tired, frustrated and worn down.
“I also acknowledge this project does not include many who’s isolation experience was extremely difficult and simply couldn’t participate. It does continue to shine through however, that the vast majority of households involved love where they live and are grateful for the space, fresh air and nature.
One of the subjects, Bron from Millgrove, said iso life has been challenging.
“I’m a big family person and not seeing my family was very hard but I did learn new things about myself. I also became a teacher, something I never thought I would do home schooling. My 10 year old taught me new things too, we had lots of fun.
Bec from McMahon’s Creek said the pandemic gave her the opportunity to get back to a simple way of living.
“It has allowed me time to connect with the river and the mountains and focus on being around my horses and my dogs. It has reminded me that this was always the dream, to be a good cowgirl who is handy with good dogs and horses by her side. To stop chasing the next thing and really enjoy the present moment. To simply take a great big breath and just enjoy the ride.“
Roberta of Wesburn acknowledged that life inside a pandemic has not been easy.
“I know that for many people this time has not been easy with people confronting many issues including unemployment, loneliness, disruption to studies, not to mention the very sad loss of life. In our case we were fortunate not to be affected in these ways.”
While Rachel of Warburton saw the lighter side of these unique times.
“Catching up with friends is now an accidental bumping into them on walks down the river, which is more of an adventure, than a planned liaison. And the best bit, is there were no tourists,” she said.
To view more of Ms Phoenix’s work, visit: https://www.suzannephoenix.com.au
