I am ready for Beauty.
Even though we are still self-isolating, I have settled into this new lifestyle thrust upon us by a coronavirus pandemic, although as an artist it is not that different from my pre-COVID routine (with the exception of the masks and gloves).
I am used to long, solitary hours in my studio, away from the outer world, in order to concentrate on my creative work. I have not been pacing the house, looking for something to do. I have been wonderfully busy 12 hours a day, working on projects with creative colleagues, reimagining exhibition possibilities, researching grants and reworking a film that is still in editing.
My creative world has always been rich and vibrant and now that the “chaos” has somewhat settled and my basic needs (food, revenue, toilet paper) have stabilized, the constant buzz of anxiety has given way to intermittant moments of peace and I am once again ready to experience Beauty: the sound of birds singing in the morning, the red buds of maple trees against a blue sky, acoustic virtual concerts streamed from the living rooms of favorite musicians, a breathtaking work of art. They take time to appreciate and although the world has slowed down, it has taken a while for my mind to do the same.
I am grateful to be an artist and a filmmaker in these times. The world has changed and navigating this ever-shifting paradigm has been a particular challenge for all of us creatives. It is perhaps heralding a change that was necessary in the first place, even before this pandemic threw it all to the forefront.
I believe the world will again be ready for Beauty and as artists, we will ready to share it.
Stay safe everyone.
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Greetings, Serena I am sitting in my art studio, looking out at Bellingham Bay with sunshine slowiy awakening our day. I have spent the past 5-6 weeks, nursing a bonchitis or (whatever It was). During, this time, of solitude, it has given me a chance, to contemplate the quiet and changes I and, everyone have been thrust into. I’ve always loved my alone time. While, I have not picked up my paint brush, as I had thought I would, i have enjoyed, a since of calm. I’ve taken an online course called ‘Art2Life’. Nicholas lost everything during the 80’s recession. He recreated ‘Art2Life’ from scratch. I have thought of other artist’s such as my hairdresser, Mila Faulkner. She has delved into her painting with gusto and also her gardening. I believe out of this crisis, there will be amazing works of art created. Authors will be writing remarkable novels. There will be films made. There has been a remarkable community of citizens, who have stepped up to the plate, mask makers, neighborhood helpers, and lots of students who have made videos, to reach out to their peers. Teachers have learned to teach online, students are learning what it is to dive in and do what they need to do, for their and our future. The amazing creativity, that I see already, is what artists, makers, and futuristic thinkers naturally do. The challenges that you and other artists seem daunting, but, I see artists having amazing strength to forge ahead. That’s what they do. New art, new dreams, new re-creating is in your dreams and genes. Sending lots of positive from the West Coast to you. Susan
How beautiful! Thank you, Susan, for the positive vibes from the West Coast! I hope you are feeling better!
Thanks for sharing stories from the artists in your circle and online, reminding us to look around at the art and artists surrounding us – as well as appreciating the value of what artists and creatives in all mediums can offer as we move forward. Now is the time to listen to the creative ones!
Hope to see you again next time you’re back on the East Coast.
– SerenaK