One collection of photos I continuously add to is my Isolation Collection. There are a few distinctions of photos that belong in this collection. One distinction is focusing the framing of the photo on the subject to make it stand out among a vast space. I do this by creating a larger frame of the photo, with a small spot that the subject resides in. The other distinction that I deemed to qualify for this collection is the photos that invoke “isolation” emotions. Some photos are missing the subject that the photo is focusing on, representing the loss of someone. All of these photos are meant to invoke the feeling of isolation, whether that's a positive or negative feeling for yourself when you dwell upon my collection.
What does isolation really mean? From my mind to matter on a paper, isolation is the feeling of the world closed behind a door. You can have people in the room with you, but nothing past the barrier matters.
People tend to think of isolation as a negative thing; I have from time to time. Isolation can be the catalyst to reflection, revelations, breakdowns, joyous moments, and more. Isolation simply draws the shades on any distractions and focuses on the emotions we have inside of us, sometimes pulling deep hurtful realities to the surface. Is this inherently negative? Or does this enable us to reset back to who we are and what we are fighting inside of us?
To me, reflection is the most euphoric experience when I am in isolation. It enables me to emphasize beauty in the world and see the bright colors, warmth, and subtle touches that my body brings to me. I feel happy and find myself wanting this feeling more. In my day to day, I hinder myself from these experiences through the loud stimulus of media and addiction to the overwhelming abundance of these “small pleasures”. I can’t eat lunch without a video playing, I can’t drive without music, I can’t bear the silent breaks in conversations without my phone. It hurts when I try to reflect, but have become so tolerant to pleasures that I cannot enjoy the beauty of silence. I remind myself to take more breaks, and to calm my mind so that I can enjoy times of euphoric reflection.
I admire this photo and the woman in it, because it is a reminder for myself. Taking this photo, editing it, and seeing it in my collection helps me sense the euphoric feeling I had while on the beach that day. I need the constant reminder to take the time to step away from everyone, and just reflect.
Isolation can be shared between many people. My family had lost our grandfather in Fall of 2022. I was at college, unable to be with him physically on the day he had died. I got to call him that day, telling him that I love him, unable to hear his words back to me as he could only mumble. He was in pain, sometimes physical, but mostly mental due to the feeling of his body failing his mind. I could hear his frustration with being unable to speak. I can only assume he was telling me how much he loved me. My family distracted and relieved him during our visits when we stepped into that room and was present in that isolation feeling with him. Hours after we had our last conversation, I had gotten the call that he had passed. I felt I had nowhere to go. I had locked myself in a room and felt that worldly understanding of isolation and loneliness. It took time, but my anger and frustration in mourning had a steep transition into acceptance with one understanding: he was no longer in pain. It was my loneliness and isolation that gave me that relieving revelation.
Photos taken of the remnants of memories of my grandfather, Robert L Blum, whom I was named after.
Around three months later, my childhood dog passed away suddenly due to sickness. The repetition of loss knocked me down harder than before. I was able to find acceptance faster this time because I had someone else with me. My girlfriend, Liv, had shared the loss for her grandfather as well and together we shared our grief. We had moments together in isolation that we shared with no one else, having patience and understanding for each other. It made our connection to each other stronger, breaking our emotions down to uncover our deepest feelings. With her, isolation did not feel like isolation. I had someone with me in a locked away room to figure things out, while the world outside waited.
Photos taken of the remnants of memories and the favorite places of my first dog, Maggie.
I do not believe Isolation is inherently negative. I believe that in isolation, we re-discover who we are and why we feel like we do.
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