"ONE DAY AT HOME IN THE WORLD" is a global art project of words and images - escaping from lockdown in Crediton out across the planet, by Crediton artist, Philip Robinson.

The project has been described as “An extraordinary opportunity to step inside a fellow human being’s home, shoes, head and heart and share a moment of insight during this global crisis”.

Philip explained: "So, there I was at my kitchen table in Crediton, April 2020, two weeks into lockdown - wondering what it’s like for other people in this similar predicament elsewhere in the world.

"Same or different challenges, what do they feel and think about it all, what can they see from their window?

"And so began ’ONE DAY AT HOME IN THE WORLD’, which ended up being an art project connecting more than 50 people aged from nine to 89, spread across 30 countries, all recording what they did on one day in April 2020.

"Their submissions made up the project and it is up on Facebook for everyone else in the world to see.

"There have been more than 4,000 people reached in just two weeks of ’ONE DAY’ being posted."

Philip started his project on Tuesday, April 21, because it was United Nations World Creativity and Innovation Day.

He continued: "I had only two weeks to contact as many people as I could to see if they might be persuaded to contribute.

"I drafted an invitation saying I’d like up to 300 words, a couple of photos including the view from their window, name and age.

"I sent it out initially to friends and colleagues all over the planet, asking them to forward it on and to continue pushing it out there, person-by-person, bit-by-bit.

"April 21 arrived. I had no idea how many people might respond. Would there be at least 20, I hoped it wouldn’t all fall flat. Check the laptop, only two submissions.”

Philip continued: "My role was as collator not editor, midwife not parent, to frame the words and images that arrived, come up with a visual way of displaying everything, no one person any more important than any other.

"Each contributor had the same square which would be occupied by their words, thoughts, message, their photographs (a view, maybe a selfie or an important object) and their whereabouts. Check my laptop again…? No, nothing more coming in yet!"

Within five days from April 21, the deadline he had set, Philip has received more than 60 people, mostly individuals, some couples, some families, sending in from all over the world, to Crediton.

Philip added: "It was overwhelming, inspiring, moving, extraordinary, at a time when we are actively being encouraged to distance ourselves from each other that here was a way to touch the lives, hopes, fears, loves of others, to share and make connection."

One contributor wrote on Facebook afterwards: “I was invited to contribute to the project. A snapshot of life during the unusual shared experience we are currently living. On Tuesday, April 21, participants around the globe chronicled their thoughts, feelings and experiences.

"Despite location, much was universal. Many commented on nature and their connection to it. Opposites played out, sound-silence; others-self; isolation-connection."

Doris from Germany pondered something Philip had thought about: “The first apple blossoms // what’s the world going to be like, // when the apples are ripe?”.

Philip continued: "With the cancellation of the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Alexandra from Russia is missing out on what would have been a monumental moment in her life. She may not get the opportunity again."

Valentine, from England had a beautiful realisation: "There is no hiding from the reality that what begins must end, nor from the beauty that this lends to what is.”

Philip said: "Perhaps we’ve all been reminded to focus on what is. Living with uncertainty is tough but in reality that’s life, we go ahead and make plans but it can all change in an instant. The present is where it’s really at.”

He concluded: “An incredibly powerful insight into so many different lives. Candid commentary: hugely moving experiences; joyful thoughts; thought provoking ideas and universally experienced emotions.”

Philip is now considering where and how to display the exhibition to the wider community.