Submission

I use Light as a medium to reach and record our shared humanity. These light painted portraits are 30-second exposures that record the journey made by the light pens and torches I use to literally "paint" the light over the surfaces and features of my subjects. These light painted portraits aren’t “about” the individuals featured, who took part in this experience - although they each have a unique story to tell. They’re about how We, as Humanity, as a species, have the spirit and the life force to overcome, to endure, to suffer despair and loss, but still see this pandemic through. We’re all, each in our own way, waiting - for the end of this grinding ordeal, for the vaccine to save us, for life to return with a deep, slow exhale - waiting for the clouds to part, contact and connection to strengthen, and for Light to return. These faces show the determination, resilience and strength we have. When we look for it, it’s there. These are the faces behind the masks that we see in hospital wards, in shielded homes, in schools, supermarkets, chemists and corner shops - a simple reminder of the humanity hidden behind those masks.