COVID-19 City Tales: New York. “Find something that you can devote your time to right now”.
A conversation with… Mark, 26, Photographer, Brooklyn. Quarantined since March 15th.
Firstly, can you let me know if you are self-isolated or quarantined? How many days has it been?
I have been quarantining since March 15th. It’s now been a total of 27 days.
Are you spending it alone or with company?
I’m quarantined with just my boyfriend, in his 10x10 foot room.
How are you coping with confinement?
It’s ok — not ideal, but bearable. I’m completely out of work right now as all of my jobs deal with interacting with others on set, but our health is obviously priority. I’m in the process of moving at the end of the month, so quarantine has given me the opportunity to focus on the upcoming change of surroundings. What I would say to others about to have the same experience — “Find something that you can devote your time to right now.” I’ve learned how to use a sewing machine, started a new book, and have been taking virtual dance classes as a result of this crisis.
Describe the area where you live. Did you know your neighbors much before this happened? Has your relationship changed since this started?
I live in an area of Brooklyn called Bushwick. It’s a pretty thickly settled area of Brooklyn, with a very diverse population of natives and new residents. My apartment is right along the M train subway track. I’ve known some of my neighbors before, but we aren’t really interacting right now as this crisis has forced us to stay completely indoors.
What was the last thing you did before isolating?
On March 14th, the day before quarantine started, it was a super sunny day in New York. My friend Monet and I drank on my rooftop and enjoyed our time together spent outside. It makes me a little sad to think about it now because it was such a carefree and social time.
Do you miss the outdoors? Why?
Definitely. I really just miss the freedom to leave my apartment and go do whatever I want. I hate feeling guilty when going for a little walk or running errands at the store.
Do you agree with the way the US Government has handled the crisis? What would you change?
I don’t think we are at all prepared for what’s happening now. I mean, my city has become the epicenter of this disease. It’s pretty horrifying and I definitely do not feel the support or comfort from my president that we’re all going to be okay. Governor Cuomo of New York has definitely stepped it up and become a voice of reason and hope for us. Although I think a lot of government processes like unemployment insurance and health care have not been handled completely well, I do believe they are doing what they can.
Do you think this will have positive consequences as well?
It’s been recognized that this crisis is helping with climate change and regenerating parts of the Earth, so that is some benefit to us staying indoors. I think as challenging as this crisis is for many people, it is also giving us the opportunity to reevaluate parts of our lives and hopefully learning something new in the process.
Lastly, tell me something new you’ve learned about yourself during isolation.
I’ve realized it’s very hard for me to be patient for a long period of time, and this situation has allowed me to work on that. It’s also given insight into how my boyfriend and I will live and work together successfully, being near one another at all times of the day.
You can check and support Mark’s work at www.markfitton.com
