p.2022
This project was born out of Ellis Bairstow's everyday commute to university, specifically his time spent at Partick train station. The repetitive nature of standing on the platform, watching trains go by as passengers briefly made eye contact, became a moment of deep existential reflection for him. The station became a space where his thoughts would wander, contemplating life, routine, and the cycle of daily existence. Despite these heavy thoughts, he would return every day to repeat the process, caught in the rhythm of the commute.
Inspired by this experience, Ellis decided to create a project that captures the shared experience of others who, like him, follow the same routine every day. The project focuses on the fleeting interactions and moments of contemplation that occur in these transient spaces, highlighting the quiet connections between people who may never speak but share the same daily rituals.
The resulting images reflect a sense of both isolation and connection, as commuters, lost in their own thoughts, engage in a repetitive dance with their environment. By turning his lens on others in similar situations, Ellis draws attention to the often-overlooked moments of introspection and routine that shape our everyday lives.