Melbourne in the Time of Corona
On Sunday, 29 March 2020, before the first stage of Covid-19 lockdown in Melbourne, I ventured into the CBD to capture what it was like. The city was deserted except for a few people. It was strange seeing it so empty. On a normal Sunday afternoon it would be teeming with people but not that day.
Only weeks before, our city was buzzing with culture, the arts and sport, some of the things Melbourne is known for but this event meant that none of that could go on. Were the empty notice boards of the NGV Gallery and the generic imagery of the Art Centre a sign of the times?
The Emotions of the Time
I have had a mixture of feelings since the contagion hit Australian shores around a month ago.
Sadness…
Sadness for the countries, communities and families who have been impacted and those yet to be.
Fear…
Fear of the unknown. I am sure you are all asking yourselves the same questions as I am. What is going to happen to us, what does the future hold for us, our families, the community and the world?
Curiosity…
I have felt a sense of curiosity for what’s happening right now. When else does something of this magnitude impact everyone in the world at exactly the same time? This is bigger than just you and me. It’s about us and that’s very humbling. Some of the things we’ve seen come out of this phenomenon have been incredible. Communities have bonded, people are helping others and beautiful random acts of kindness are being shared.
Of course there are malicious people taking advantage of the situation as well but there will always be some of that in the world.
Motivation…
I have felt motivated to seize opportunity. I have so many tasks on my list but I never allowed myself the time. In isolation we have all the time in the world. So if not now, when?
One project I have been thinking about for a while was selling prints of my photography. After posting these Melbourne in the Time of Corona images on social media I had a few enquiries about purchasing them. That inspired me to get going on this project! I am ecstatic that people wish to own something I have created.
If you’re reading this and thinking you have no motivation for any ‘projects’ and all you want to do is watch a series, cook, read and do puzzles, or do nothing at all, you should do just that! Besides, when else will you have pretty much all commitments wiped from your calendar and have been told to stay home?!
Before Covid-19 hit I felt like I was in a constant spin. Between motherhood, the photography business and social life, I didn’t feel like I had a chance to pause, or more importantly I didn’t allow myself to pause. Life was getting away from me. With this time, allow yourself the time to chill, take a mental and physical break from the fast-moving life we have created for ourselves. I know I am.
Stay safe everyone, we are in this together.
Lei xx
If you are interested in purchasing one of my Melbourne prints please visit my online shop. Each photography is printed on 310gsm fine art cotton rag.
Please contact me at hello@leiladylei.com or via Instagram @leileiclaveyphotography if you would like a custom size. Thank you for your interest!