I began working on An Ordinary Eden in 2019 leading on from topics explored in previous projects. I wanted to further reflect on people’s sense of home and belonging. More so, I wanted to look at what happened when the ability to have a stable home and sense of place was interrupted by circumstances, when life’s journeys were somewhat complex and imperfect, when we don’t always lead a life we thought – or hoped – would happen. Specifically, when ‘home’ becomes a place of transience, when accommodation is temporary, what are the practical implications and emotional ramifications that being without a permanent home creates? Were there traceable roots, obvious patterns and how did society treat those in need?

All the people photographed had different stories on housing and home. All have been homeless at some point; some still were throughout the project. And all had different paths that brought them to their present, with histories that were multi-layered, complex, and nuanced.

Over the 4 years of An Ordinary Eden, I met people whose childhoods had been unstable, or who had experienced profound inequality. Others had needs for mental health or addictions that required a joined-up approach of current systems of support. Other stories came from places of enforced escape, to save their lives in some cases. From individuals fleeing years of domestic abuse to escaping a war zone and forced migration. To not have a home happens for many reasons, how society responds is the focus in this work. What was clear was the amount of time – the years – that people were in these situations. And it was quite apparent that it was needless years lost because support was not adequate.

So, I could ask myself, if there were patterns or traceable roots, but in some ways the more important finding was that the systems as they stand in society do not work fast enough or with the dignity and compassion that every human deserves.  

Thanks are due to all who took part, for the generous sharing of stories with me and the time we have spent together. It has been a privilege to be part of that.