Bay Area Residents Reflect on Time at Home in this Wonderful Photo Essay

The San Francisco Chronicle just released an extraordinary photo essay depicting Bay Area residents through windows as they shelter in place. With the images by photographer Jessica Christian, the subjects reflect on this unprecedented time in their lives … the challenges, the sacrifices, the innovation and even the joy. Here are some of those moments:

“I’m an artist and designer. I design things that reduce suffering, and I make art about public displays of affection. I feel grateful because I can work from home and my work helps people affected by the pandemic. I’m feeling lonely and anxious though and trying to figure out how to channel that into my artwork.”

—Oliver Blank (shown above)

“This has been my second week working from home. I usually work in uptown Oakland. The adjustment has been weird, but I’ve been trying to keep myself busy and checking in on loved ones that live alone. Luckily I’m super privileged to have Turtle Hill nearby to take walks and get fresh air. My heart hurts for the situation we’re in, the local San Francisco economy and small business, but I’m trying to prioritize my mental health.”

—Candace Hsu

“On one hand the whole thing is just surreal and unbelievable, but on the other hand it’s like a second round of our recent parental leave, except with a lot more conference calls. Like lots of people in San Francisco, we’ve have to make a quick change balancing work and child care in a small apartment, but we just have to make the best of it. Plus we get some quality family time with our little guy.”

—Tom Baroch

For the complete United in Isolation photo essay, go here.