An Ordinary Eden (2019–2023) is a long-term project by Margaret Mitchell, continuing her exploration of themes around home, belonging, and inequality. Embarking on the project, Mitchell states:

“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.”

The work considers what happens when the concept and reality of ‘home’ are replaced by experiences of transience, addressing both the practical implications and emotional ramifications that being without a permanent home creates.

Mitchell’s in-depth documentary practice sought to understand whether there were underlying reasons – traceable roots, recurring patterns – and how did society treat those in need. She notes:

“All the people photographed had different stories on housing and home. All have been homeless at some point; some still were throughout the project. 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, Mitchell 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 became clear as the project evolved was the length of time – the years – that people were in precarious situations. And, as Mitchell concluded, it was quite apparent these were 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.”