Power of Portrait | We are all in this together, Vancouver

>> Looking for the Poster of all the submissions? Find it here. <<

Kimiko
I have moved to support my father-in-law during this time. So I'm in exile as well as isolation. Where he lives is beautiful, though, so that's a blessing.

John
Life has slowed down. Time has opened up. In this slow unfolding i am / we are Sinking into the unknown. Distanced, yet closer, than ever.

Andrea
I’m a psychotherapist and have shifted my entire practice online during this time. I’ve been creating space in isolation to explore new ways of listening, sharing, and connecting with myself and others. I’m appreciating beauty in the simple things, and giving myself space to live in what is uncertain. I’m finding freedom in less options, and reconnecting with creating music and visual art.

Jai
Everything has changed and I'm worried about the future. This project feels good to have something to contribute creatively.

Madz
I can't go to school or my gym. This makes me a little sad because I miss my friends, but I get to spend a lot more time with my family and that's the most important.

Melanie
As an extrovert, it feels funny spending so much time alone with myself. On the bright side, I'm learning how to take care of myself, how to listen, and how to slow down. I've also started a herb garden!

Karen
Cancelled art shows that is my one connection to people. Otherwise solitary life in the art studio is the same.

Meg
I live with fear and gratefulness. Fear that because I am immune compromised I could get the CORVID-19 and become very ill and give it to my family! It has also made me feel grateful for my life. I miss my family and friends. I do keep telling myself that we will all be together one day soon.

Kerri
This unprecidented pandemic has shaped my life in ways I never thought possible. It has given me a moment to pause, reflect, breathe. Stop. What is life, if not fragile? Crisis, tragedy, despair - it's the great equalizer. Life plays no favourites, but we are all in this together. Love matters. Kindness matters. We are all mirrors of eachother, going through the same thing simultaneously yet independent of one another. When this is all over - because it will be over - what will you do with the time that is given to you? We may not be on a battlefield like my grandparents were, but the real battle now is within ourselves. Likely, the greatest battle of all. Let's pray for a better world. I pray we come to a realization that we are the solution and the problem. Where there is strength there is unity also, and we are not one without the other. I have an even greater appreciation, gratitude and love for my country in this time. I hope that one day the children I've yet to have will look at this moment in history and know that at one time the world worked together to achieve one thing - peace. In our hearts, let's see thee rise.

David
This is a picture of my dad. He is turning 81 on May 1. My mom passed away 2 months ago and now he lives alone. My sister, his grandkids and I try to visit him as we used to but we can't hug him and sit near him because we want him to be safe. He misses us an we miss him. He took the bus everywhere and doesn't do that now. He can't go to church. He feels very alone.

Power of Portrait
I miss so many things these days because I have chosen to stay home and listen to Dr Henry - I have not been out in weeks. Anything essential I need I have it delivered. I miss human contact - touch especially. I miss my kids, my mom, my friends, all of the events I used to go to. I am a HUGE extrovert.... it's hard for us. But I am getting to know ME during this time. Getting to things I procrastinated about and learning new things. Who knew this VIRUS could teach people things.

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This project has warmed my heart. I have found delight every time I open a portrait that someone has sent in and read their story. It is really lands that we are all in this together.

Carlos
Mental and physical changes both ones go to the same place, staying far from people it's something really hard for me and staying so far from my family/friends who are living in Spain right now it's really complicated, they are dealing with something really difficult.

John
Today is the 31st day of my personal lockdown -- a kind of milestone as we roll over into my new month. My life has changed dramatically. My former 9-to-5 schedule is now much more erratic and less extroverted. Amorphous. Within that, I'm content, even if each meal feels like a leftover from the days and weeks before and, this life, really does feel like a simulation.

Hanif
Changes have their own changes. Uncertainty has sprouted itself. Reflection is now a hall of mirrors - a circus. How will we reshape a new image?

Paula
Like everyone else at the moment, we've had to put life as we know it on pause. And, like everyone else, we're seeing a lot of silver linings in this. More time together as a family, more time spent in nature, more time to stop, rest and breathe. How I miss the VSO though!

Nora
My sister Clara and I are together all day long. We play all day long and do some school at home. I miss my friends and teachers, but I love banging the pots and pans every night to thank all the essential workers - especially for both of my parents who are healthcare workers in Vancouver. Being home is kind of fun... we jump on our trampoline a lot, and do yoga and play with our dog and dolls. I have a wiggly tooth now. I hope the tooth fairy can still come.

Clara
My sister Nora and I are together all day long. We doing school at home with our mom, and both of our parents work as healthcare workers in Vancouver (Physiotherapist and Social Worker). My dog Fozzie is a therapy dog and he has really helped me as I miss my friends and teachers a lot. The one good thing about being home though is my sister and I get to play everyday, do yoga and have learned how to do handstands on our trampoline and jump off things with our bikes. I miss my grandma a lot though! Every night my sister and I bang our pots and pans for all the essential workers - especially for my parents!

Eddy
My husband and I live busy, active lives, so it's been an adjustment having to clear our calendar, remain indoors, and avoid connecting with people face to face. It's allowed us to simplify our lives and focus on what's most important to us. We're more conscious of our health, our sense of security, and our relationships with others.

Mark
I'm a triplegic stroke survivor who has had a difficult time accessing my normal battery of medical appointments. My accessibility outreach by way of my nonprofit has also been stymied by physical distancing protocols.

Vilma
I’ve overcome and processed feelings of loneliness and anxiety, and from that I’ve come out stronger and more self-aware. I’ve also become more disciplined and efficient working from home.

Jasalyn
This time has forced me to slow down and take a look at my life, where I'm at and examine what are the things worth going back to. My business is at a stand still and that's frustrating for someone who likes to move, be on the go and enjoy being with my clients.

Leah
I deepened in prayer and quality of connection with loved ones even though I couldn’t see them physically. I became awakened to inner conflicts I had avoided in busyness and engaged more honestly with myself in QR, quarantine reflection. I became more thankful for past experiences of travel in freedom without fear and became sensitive to the plight of the vulnerable people groups battling this pandemic. Lastly, I became aware of the creative work I must begin.

Desire
I have lost my job and spending the time at home focusing on myself and my family members.

Sally
As an artist I'm getting lots of work done! My current photo-collage exhibition has moved online; I'm really appreciating the virtual access we're being given to films, dance performances and art that we're not always able to see. My concern for the health of my family and friends weighs on my mind a lot; this heaviness becomes focused as I make the endless number of tiny decisions in order to safely run an errand. The here and now is the priority with the health stakes being so high; later on, the systemic problems that are byproducts of/complicating this situation will be addressed by politicians, changemakers and citizens alike.

Leticia
Some personal and career projects got canceled, but what broke my heart is that Easter family reunion also got canceled. My whole family lives in Brazil and I decided to cancel my flight.

Power of Portrait
Separated from my partner as she is a first responder with the RCMP. Stay home so I can hold her again.

Chosen
Covid-19 has brought a lot of anxiety into my life. On top of other stressors, I am graduating into a recession as an international student who needs a job in the NOC A B or 0 categories to immigrate to Canada and have better life chances. Even though I would much rather be self-employed as a photographer, making my own business will not count in my path to immigration. This constrains my choices and forces me to conform to what the labor market wants. I do not feel free. This photograph is, I guess, some sort of message in a bottle I am throwing into the Vancouver ocean with the hope that maybe it isn’t too late for me.

Sarah
I am a Home Care Nurse/Quick Response Nurse.

Amelia
This is a photo of my daughter actually, she is 3 and has learned day by day on why we are staying in and only playing in the yard while all the playgrounds are closed. This photo shows pure joy we remind each other love every single day and always stay positive.

Michele
Life has become more about connecting with each other in a more meaningful way and living a simpler, slower life.

Sandra
I realize that being at home is my true temple. I also realize friends are "medicine for the soul" and I miss them dearly. I think for me what changed in my life is to be more balanced with work, socializing, fitness and spending more time with myself.

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Jennifer
Hi, I don't know if I would qualify for this for a few reasons. I was born in Vancouver, lived there for 35 years. I am still in the lower mainland though. I'm 51 & 1/2. I am Federal Essential Services. I work so that others can stay home. I have IBS, Fibromyalgia, Diverticular disease and I'm in Menopause, I continue to work. My income is less $$$ than most people who get to stay home with family, I continue to work. And I am Alone otherwise. I have not been blessed to have that special someone to share life with. I deserve it though. It's a bummer to not see a friend of mines 13 years old. My friends have been married with kids for almost 35 years now. Most have moved away over the years. It has been hard for just over a decade. Since the virus, the weekends have been horrible for me. I called a # that I got for a group for women to get together and there is no answer. I can only assume she is also Essential Services. I couldn't get into a grocery store for a solid month because of lines of people. I was finally able to on Easter. I also drove out of the way to another bank location and again, lines around the building. I am just going to hope that my funds are enough in the other bank. Essential Service people should be able to go into places to get in and out. Some of us don't have time to go before work, needing to get to work on time so that others can stay home. Somehow the curve seems to be flattening anyways, which is good. There are many things that i can't think about so that my Fibromyalgia is Not affected/set off. It has been like this all along for me. Lots of worries to not think about, just file them away. I have been ok for now with some things. Just managing. I know the human race will get through this, sadly not everyone will though.

Katalin
My life has slowed down significantly. I had no idea it was fast-paced to begin with. Only now, looking back do I see ever so clearly that the speed at which I used to live my life was so far from healthy. As if I had been on the run emotionally, mentally, and physically. What for? I wonder now retrospectively, not finding an answer. The Coronavirus made it possible for me to pause, and look deeply into myself, into the hidden corners of my consciousness, and also into my relationships with others. Everything around me, and in me feels more alive now: colours have become sharper, the flow of life ore vibrant, human connections richer and more real. The superfluous is gone. I feel I have been left with my truth.

Kanu
It has made me appreciate what a gift life is.

D
I have been in remission since September. I have a brain tumour and had radiation and chemo. I have to be so careful so my mom and dad have told me that I can’t go out at all. I am a very social boy and wanted to share my remission with my friends. That will have to wait.

Christopher
This pandemic just confirms that every single person is part of this global village.

CJ
It’s made me realize that there is so much kindness in this world. We have been so engulfed in our busy lives that we have failed to notice. It’s unfortunate that something like this had to happen for us to notice.

I have been doing more artwork. I’m getting more things done around the house. I miss hugging family and friends. My husband is ALWAYS home! :) — Christina
I have been doing more artwork. I’m getting more things done around the house. I miss hugging family and friends. My husband is ALWAYS home! 🙂

Anita
I've had to physically close 4 of my clinic locations, now trying to adapt to providing patient care via telehealth. As a single parent of two young, school age boys, trying to balance that with working from home to keep my business afloat, I am also now having to assist in home schooling lessons. It's a lot! This photo is me on one of my many, and daily, Zoom calls.

Joyce
Heightened awareness of need for compassion (artist credit: Quinn MacDonald, my son)

Zdravko
This situation made me to realize how minimalistic life we can all live, and lower our life needs to essentials and not endless commodities. Working from home daily, I realized how strong my relationship is with my family, and friends I couldn’t see that often before the Corobavirus. Now we miss each other even more and talk to each other often, Grateful to be able to work from home and support my family.

Amanda
Initially I was filled with anxiety and fear but as the weeks went on I settled into my new normal. I’m now homeschooling my daughter and have committed to doing the best job I can while staying safe!

Rita
I’ve been laid off work and am isolating at home. There are days that are good and I feel productive and optimistic and then there are days my main accomplishment has been that I showered. The harsh contrast of these days can be within the same week.

Rebecca
On the positive side, more time with family and friends, albeit virtually.

Rick
I think this is great for the community spirit and for vancouverites. Thanks.

Saffron
It has been like walking down a staircase to a safe but lonely place. Some of us did it quickly and some still hesitate. Down here, Life is gentler, slower, quieter, sometimes surreal and sometimes so real. For now, equal parts loss and comfort. Tears when I see the faces of those I can’t hug. Joy sharing a meal around the table. Fear when I wake up wondering how our community will weather this. Gratitude for all of the people that are helping. The four of us using every square inch of this house. Staying out of stores and wiping down everything that arrives. Making homemade hand sanitizer. Wearing masks on walks. I will never forget the sacrifice my teenage sons are making, staying in to protect their father and I, who are vulnerable. We are being changed. I hope we all tread more lightly as we come back up the staircase.

Guy
Same concerns as everyone I'm 64 so in risky end of age group vulnerable Unable to visit my elderly mom Unable to visit my kids, grandkids, friends Grateful before, will be more grateful after.

Power of Portrait
I am spending my time indoors...playing my guitars....learning new songs....cooking...watching movies and social networking ....to keep from getting bored missing my other hobbies...motorcycling and shooting at the range

F
Life has become less linear in time and context.

Marlisse
I’ve realized how much I value human touch - hugging a loved one in support, or joy, or sadness. I won’t take that simple act for granted again.

Claire
This time seems to be about revealing our collective humanity, our ecology of being as a community; all of our vulnerabilities are at play.

Laura
At first, daily life as I knew it seemed to come to a halt and things seemed surreal. Felt like a loss of freedom and a loss of control. With time, my initial sense of fear and helplessness has shifted into gratitude and appreciation. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I try to embrace this crisis as an opportunity. A chance to rethink time. Reimagine the future. Reflect on my old rhythm in life. Life as I knew it has changed in so many ways, but we can adapt. I am grateful my family is healthy and happy. I wish that for the world.

Roxanne
My life has completely changed since Coronavirus. I am on Day 30 of staying at home as I submit this with even more hope for collectives coming together to support each other through these unsettling times. I have learned a new way of living in a short amount of time and am amazed how fast one becomes aware and willing to adapt and modify for the greater good of others. I am honoured to know so many amazing artists that continue to be vulnerable, transparent and give unconditionally. To all that are trying to do their best, thank you. We got this!!!

Christian
Dear friends, Our holidays in Egypt turned into a unexpected adventure and our friend COVID does have a huge impact to my families live. It's actually our 28 day in isolation over here in Cairo, since the Prime Minister of Egypt on 16. March 2020 announced the closure of all Airports in Egypt for commercial flights. The airports are closed since 19. March till actually end of April. We had planned to be back in Vancouver on 27. March, after a short stopover in Switzerland from 24. till 27. March. But as we all know everything as been changed. Our flights back home got a few times cancelled and rescheduled. Of course we had contact with the airline a few times, also with the Canadian embassy however we are still here and we do not know when we are back in Vancouver. But to be honest it could be worst. We are staying at my wife's family house and we do have enough place, food and lots of sunshine and we are healthy and stay calm and looking forward to another time. In case of my business as freelanced photographer it does also have massive impact because all my planned shootings in April, May got cancelled and I do not have an income. I'm also not eligible to apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit because I just started my business in January 2020 as a registered business in BC and has not been at least $5000 over the last 12 months. Challenging times for sure because also my wife got laid off and her International English School got closed. Anyways I and we as family stay positive. I'm using the time for improving my skills in post production, work on personal projects, optimized my website and keep me busy with playing games, workouts, baking, BBQ. I also call more often my dad, my daughter and friends more often then before but I do miss the time with my friends, playing ice hockey together, or riding a mountain bike or hike up on a mountain. It will happen one day we just do not know exactly when. Thanks for having me part of this project and please stay calm and take good care of you. Cheers Chris PS: I could wrote way more in detail but I thought I keep it as short as possible.

Power of Portrait
My life has completely changed since the coronavirus. I’ve never had such a trying time in my life or career. Trying to keep myself safe, serve my community as an essential worker and trying to keep my family safe is the new normal of everyday life now.

Power of Portrait
I'm optimistic that our united energy, that we are using against the virus, can carry over to future challenges at community levels.

Greg
This has reinforced my feelings that things are not that important. Don't get me wrong, I am extremely grateful to live in a nice home surrounded by nice things. But, like everyone else right now, I am separated from the people who mean the most to me. Those things quickly start to lose their value when you to compare them to the people in your life whom you love.

Power of Portrait
It has been a time of reconsidering priorities and plans and of appreciating a new found quietness. It is difficult to plan the future and therefore find myself trying to be more present.

Rebecca
We cannot touch, but we are reaching out.

Power of Portrait
My life has changed because I cannot see my friends or family. As a chronically ill person, I am unable to shop or get to my medical appointments, so I am learning to manage without.

Welcome to the Power of Portrait.

The “Power of Portrait – We are in this Together, Vancouver” project is a is a citizen-led initiative to reclaim boarded-up storefronts as canvases to share stories of resilience and reinforce community connection, through portraits of Vancouverites. Our group has come together during this Coronavirus Crisis to use art to remind us all that WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER. To reclaim boarded up businesses as canvases for self-portraits of Vancouverites in quarantine and self-isolation that tell a hopeful story.

The project asked for portraits and Vancouver delivered with 125 submissions. We have printed 48 of these poster size in black and white and posted on Robson Street outside Sephora. This project will show a diverse group of Vancouverites. These portraits will provide a reminder of our common humanity and experience living in the era of COVID-19 in Vancouver as well as revitalize the area for the time we are isolating to prevent its spread.

Did people share stories?

We were very excited to read the impact the project had. Most people answered the two questions we had. How has the virus impacted you and how has the project impacted your sense of community.

You can read the stories on the Gallery page by clicking on any photo.

What story do we want to tell?

We want to bring art that uplifts. We would like to tell our story of connection with each other. We believe we do not have to lean into fear and although we may need to protect things we can also lean into people and their beauty. We hope this project will start a conversation and at minimum spark joy.

Who are the people we want to represent?

The beautifully diverse people of Vancouver – diverse in ethnic and cultural backgrounds, age, gender expression, socio-economic status. In our printed posters we have a great representation of the diversity in Vancouver.

What do we want to say?

We are all in this together Vancouver! Joy. Peace. Connection.

How will we choose what photos to print?

As the coordinating group, we are a diverse representation of Vancouverites. We came together to help sort through all of the photos and picked ones to print that were high enough resolution and represented a wide diversity of Vancouver.

Inspiration for this project?

We would gratefully acknowledge JR and the insideoutproject.