PHYLLIS THOMAS
Locked In 2020
I am Phyllis Thomas. I was born in the Bronx in 1955. I have lived in the Bronx all my life. I enjoy arts and crafts, such as making collages and jewelry making. I consider myself a visual learner, this is why photography works for me. Photography taught me how to see things differently. I learned a lot of different skills doing photography such as creativity, patience, concentration and paying attention to detail.
In 1974 I attended Bronx Community College. I finished 1 semester and started working for JC Penny. Twenty years later, while working for NYPD Schools Safety, I returned to Bronx Community College and received a degree in early childhood education. From there I attended Lehman College and received a degree in psychology, with the intent to become a teacher. After weighing my options I decided to continue work for School Safety. After 30 years, I retired in 2011 and I enjoy life each and every day.
109 days locked inside, only going out to the store and doing laundry. This is my COVID-19 story.
“The more often we see the things around us - even the beautiful and wonderful things - the more they become invisible to us. That is why we often take for granted the beauty of this world: the flowers, the trees, the birds, the clouds - even those we love. Because we see things so often, we see them less and less.”― Joseph B. Wirthlin
Light coming through blinds.
American flag surrounded by plants in the window.
Reflection of my window and plants in a piece of art.
Statue of woman and child embracing carved from a tree on the Parkchester grounds.
Day in the life of COVID-19. My son wearing his gloves and holding a mask.
Refilling soap with light reflection from bathroom window through shower curtain. This is my life now, I pour soap.
Light reflecting on my nightgown creating a pattern within a pattern.
Received these lilies from my son's girlfriend with this message:
"I’ve heard that lilies represent joy and happiness amongst other things and hope they bring a small token of happiness and joy from me to you."
My shadow reflecting in a family portrait taken by Greg Sumlin.
Display of African art in my house.
Assortment of beads.
COVID-19, a dark shadow looking for the light.
Soft color and light coming through my shower curtain.