Preserving Perseverance
A photo series by Alice Hutchison
Curated with Ewan Prathan
What does it look like to preserve perseverance in a pandemic?
Preserving Perseverance is a digital photo series by Melbourne-based designer Ewan Prathan and photographer Alice Hutchison. The Preserving Perseverance series is a modern archive of the tools intrinsically bound to various occupations, that continue to function under the strain of this uniquely unprecedented and trying time in history.
Each item, disinfected and vacuum sealed, is preserved as a memento, whilst simultaneously celebrating the instruments of work we depend on. We asked each participant, who kindly and temporarily donated their object for the project, two simple questions; designed to shed light on the significance of each object and what motivates them while navigating a new kind of normal. With this, a small and personal catalogue has been created, and through a process of sterilisation and preservation, each object is emancipated from the deadly virus that lives among us.
All participants are Melbourne-based.
Genevieve Callaghan
Writer
Tell us about this object
These objects are a Moleskine lined notebook and a black Kilometrico.
pen. As a writer, I am never without a pen and paper, and I’ve come to find these particular kinds to be my favourites—
simple, comfortable and reliable.
What motivates you in this unique time?
My primary motivations at this time are writing and making music. I’ve always felt grateful for the fact of my impulse to create, but no time has ever made me more aware of the privilege of having inner artistic resources than now. Knowing I can take refuge in my own imagination is a huge source of sustenance and pleasure.
Sarah Dimauro
Social Media Manager
Tell us about this object
This is my work phone - my number one work bestie who spends 7 days a week with me. I would say it’s more important than my computer to do my job, however there’s more digital integrations than ever before and new ones emerging all the time, so I’m looking forward to spending less time with my work phone at some point in the future!
What motivates you
in this unique time?
A new kind of human connection is keeping me motivated throughout the pandemic. There’s so much good change amongst the bad in ways of digital adaption and quick innovation, and it’s all a bit inspiring and equally fascinating.
Nick Gaunt
Psychiatric Nurse
Tell us about this object
These objects are injectable medication, safety gloves and a stethoscope. They are used on a daily basis in my field of work.
Often we will need to administer long term anti-psychotic medication via an injection due to a clients disorganisation, poor memory (missing tablets), or if a patient refuses RX. Although I’m in psych, it’s not “all-talking, and hands-off” approach, one would expect.
What motivates you
in this unique time?
What motivates me during this time is that a majority of my patients don’t have TVs or read the news. The other half don’t own a TV at all, so I help educate them on current situations and maintain cleanliness etc. Unfortunately, a number of my patients have no friends or family. Their social group consists of the various community support workers. These groups have been considered “non-essential”, and contact with patients has ceased, leaving many of my patients feeling more alone than ever. This Covid-19 period has made me realise the importance of family(however you view it) and I’ve had to work extra hard to find innovative ways to help reconnect these people, who exist in the shadows, back into society.
Piers Greville
Painter
Tell us about this object
My beloved 80mm brush is what I use to lay down the first layers, my first contact with the canvas. The work coat folded with it, is worn most days from 9 to 5. I rarely spill paint on it, but over the years it is accumulating a mist of my palette.
What motivates you in this unique time?
In the first chapters of the thriller that is 2020, I’m motivated by my duty as an artist to respond by evolving ways to look at this altered world.
Tommy Hope
Sous Chef
Tell us about this object
I bought this knife two years ago specifically for slicing scallops we get in fresh every day. I needed a knife super thin and sharp for this one particular job. A mechanic friend of mine once told me if the job you're trying to do is too hard you're not using the correct tool, I believe that translates pretty well in cooking too.
What motivates you in this unique time?
Family has motivated me more than ever in the last few weeks. Spending more time with my partner, staying home and playing cards and just hanging out. It’s the silver lining.
Kit Scott
Florist
Tell us about this object
My go-to florist snips. A pair of these will travel with me on jobs, on walks through streets where flowers have stumbled over fence lines. They’re often included in my leaving the house check for my wallet, phone, keys and a twin pair lives in my car.
What motivates you
in this unique time?
Honestly, it is difficult but I think it is important to openly say, there have been moments when it has been incredibly difficult to locate motivation and inspiration in these times. For me it’s the phone and video calls with friends that have grown into plans for future projects that motivate me to keep moving. I continue researching, try something unexpected, keep creating and take my snips for a dash through the neighbourhood.
Kristopher Engelhardt
Finance
Tell us about this object
My laptop - I pretty much require it to maintain my way of life at this point. Using it for work, socialising and my hobbies it’s the single most important object for me.
What motivates you
in this unique time?
The fact that I am lucky enough to still be employed motivates me. It makes me value my work more than I ever did before. I feel extremely grateful that despite the current conditions I have something to focus my time on at home throughout the day.
Emma Nygard
Sales
Tell us about this object
This object is the headset I use for work. It’s probably the most important piece of equipment I have from my work from home set-up because I spend about half of my day speaking to people on the phone.
What motivates you
in this unique time?
What encourages motivation in me is keeping a clear head and being kinder to myself, enjoying the process of doing things, not just the end result. During isolation, despite having more time, it’s been harder to cultivate those feelings. I have found that speaking with friends and family, going for walks (although not as many as I should) and doing smaller activities that still feel like accomplishments (cooking/reading etc) help stimulate my brain and create a more positive environment in which motivation is a flow-on effect.
Steven Norman
Winemaker
Tell us about this object
This is my winery work boot, apart from the palate and nose it’s the most versatile tool a winemaker has.
What motivates you
in this unique time?
The change we’re experiencing has changed how we behave.
I’m working towards finding a space I belong and I’m seeking new opportunities for a new way of living and working post pandemic.
Photography — Alice Hutchinson
Curator — Ewan Prathan
