As Within, So Without

Brooklyn Etzel | Spring 2020

By the third day into the mandated quarantine set forth by the U.S. government in the spring of 2020, I realized I could not just stay inside. I am one who needs to feel the sun's rays on my skin and explore the world around me to better understand what is happening. For years, my camera and I have bonded over adventures through new cultures by telling visual stories. On this third day, I felt a burning desire to get outside to photographically tell stories of the culture around me during this historical time.

Like many, my schedule suddenly was loosened from a strict hour-by-hour routine to one that had space to breathe, and I was ready to take advantage of living life on my command. I began by taking daily walks to explore my neighborhood, riding around with a friend to photograph from my car, and taking a couple of short road trips to embrace nature. Getting out to explore not only brought me mental clarity but also brought upon a stronger sense of connection to the world around me. 

Through my explorations, I captured thousands of images that I found interesting and/or beautiful. Stepping back, I saw the bigger picture and discovered many of the images work together to collectively say something even more. This appeared in the form of messages and reflections that are represented symbolically.  The messages are meant to touch upon both an individual’s emotions experienced through the COVID-19 outbreak as well as the societal habits that led up to the pandemic.  Additionally, the messages highlight our future potential. 

Overall, these photos are intended to speak like poems and are an expression of this time. As Within, So Without encourages the viewer to consider another way of understanding the world around them.  What we think within ourselves will be expressed or reflected on the world outside ourselves.  Whatever we consciously accept will manifest into the circumstances of our life.