In Common is a public participation project that seeks to connect people to each other through a deeper understanding and appreciation of nature and our connection to it.
“A human being is part of the whole called by us ‘the universe,’ a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest – a kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and affection of a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of understanding and compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” ~ Albert Einstein, via Solitude
The images, videos, text and testimonials shown here have been acquired during the research and development made for the project (Funded by the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council).
PARTICIPANTS’ FEEDBACK
“It was a privilege to be asked to take part in the project by Phillip, and wonderful to see the results of his work.”
“The theme is very relevant to society today, anything that points the way to bring people together has got to be of value. I loved the concept: the blending together of nature and individuals in visual and auditory format demonstrates the theme perfectly.’
“Great idea, much needed in today's world.”
“So important to highlight how we are just nature - not separate from it.”
“A lovely idea and it’s nice to be part of this - it has a community feel with nature at the heart.”
“Brilliant theme and really original concept.”
“A thoughtful concept, and very prescient for these times.”
“Very nice idea and well presented, it looks great! The concept is clear that nature is a leveller with everyone!”
“A very inclusive and well thought out plan. Effective and unique.”
“Such a lovely project to be involved with and Phil put me at ease immediately.”
“I first met Phillip Jackson on the mentoring programme set up by RedEye in Manchester. I was initially impressed with his enthusiasm and commitment towards his photography and project, also with his interest and encouragement of his fellow mentees.
We have kept in touch and I have been very happy to see how far reaching he has been in his research and diligence in following through with In Common. I like his attitude towards the ultimate goal of sharing his passion and it is clear from his interactions and photographs that people have enjoyed working with him.
His staying power, the connection with nature and sharing his own passion deserves full support, which he will more than adequately fulfil.
He has my 100% support.”
Zelda Cheatle - expert in photography - curator, author, lecturer, consultant
Once, an anthropologist proposed a game to kids in an African tribe. He put a basket full of fruit near a tree and told them that whoever got there first would win the entire basket. When he gave them the signal to run, they all took each other’s hands and ran together. Once they arrived at the tree, they sat in a circle and enjoyed the fruits together. When he asked them why they chose to run as a group when they could have raced against each other for the whole basket, one child spoke up and said, “UBUNTU—how can one of us be happy if all the other ones are sad?”
Visualisations showing examples of how the work could be exhibited within woodland.
