It’s important for us to stay informed about the ever-changing events related the Coronavirus Pandemic, in order to insure our safety. However, since so much of the news is negative, it is essential that we not lose sight of the good news and opportunities that are available. In this article artists from around the world share positive ways they are using time in isolation to improve their lives, art and careers. I encourage you to visit their websites to learn more about them.
Positive Posts by Artists on Facebook ~ Part I of a Series
I started a discussion on Facebook asking artists to share, “how are you using this time of isolation in a positive and constructive way for improving your art and/or art career and/or art business?” The reason I started it is because I knew the artists would inspire and motivate each other to make the most of this situation that is affecting all of us. I received so many comments that this is the first of a series.
Australian artist Kari Bienert wrote, “Painting keeps my mind focused. I’m trying less social media and one news a day. Lots of prayer and keeping my kids positive. I have found some people very aggressive and I’m trying to be compassionate. It’s hard! Feeling so blessed to have nature all around. Thank you for keeping us all connected it’s wonderful to know that as artists we have a deep reservoir to draw upon for hope, peace and great resilience. Keep up the great work. Thinking of you all in USA it’s crazy down here in Oz too. ” karibienert.com
Serban Manelici wrote, “For art business, in Romania, it’s all shut down. We are only in online with “INGENUU art group” on our art platform. At this time, because we can’t do any art exhibitions or to sell art, we are working on some projects to introduce iron sculptures in arhitecture / interior design projects. So, even if it’s hard with isolation, we are working on.
Ana Ghinea posted this, “I’m using the time to research and read. It’s counterintuitive, but I need to get inspiration and improve my knowledge. Sure, I draw just like I did before, but not with the goal of producing art. Rather exploring ways to better express myself. Surely, I’m not supposed to sculpt in my apartment. I’ll gain some knowledge worthy of being shaped into a sculpture when I have the chance. Unfortunately, I fear I’ll start using objects for creative purposes soon. Like ‘sculpting’ the kitchen table or painting the walls.That’s a real concern. I am trying to refrain, honestly!” You’ll find Ana on Facebook here: Facebook.com/aghinea
Carter Hammond offered, “I’m not using the time to improve what I do any more than I normally do. I’m always seeking to improve every aspect of my art and art business. What I have been doing is making the attempt to include others in watching me do my art more. With live streams primarily on Instagram, I hope it helps inspire other artists and If it provides five minutes of peace for someone than I think it’s worth it. Instagram.com/hammond_art
Sandi Ludescher, an artist who lives near Santa Fe, NM, informs us, “Well, because of this virus, my ‘day job’ is gone and will probably not come back. So, now, I paint every day. This had been my dream. Funny, isn’t it? Sometimes we see our dreams come true in the strangest of ways. Although, it would be nice to have a little more income. But, I realized the other day, I had been given my wish…. so, can’t complain and I have a deep gratitude.”
Lisa Freidus, an artist who lives in Florida wrote, “In January 2020, I reached out to my viewers and asked them for suggestions regarding what images they would like me to create. I had a wonderful response which created several sales. This has continued to evolve during these tumultuous times. With feelings of isolation, online shopping has fulfilled a safe avenue to purchase items that may have been a momentary thought. When I receive a commission, I frequently communicate by email and telephone, and this satisfies ones need to reach out to another person. Gratefully, the artist and client are happily distracted from cabin fever!” lisafreidus.com
Singaporean artist Patricia Nah Roche told us, “Taking this social distancing to tune into: Research for next paintings’ colours and subjects: eg. flowers to uplift or assist in easing anxiousness, possible depression etc. Spend time just being… Being here for myself, family and people I love… Here’s to all of you. Thank you for inspiring me always.” patrochegallery.com
Sandy Spain is an artist living in Nashville, TN. She shared, “My 4 classes were, of course, suspended. So the students ask for continued assignments via email they send their progress and I critique with positive comments and suggestions. The insight so far is me having to enhance descriptive directions. But it is a joy for an instructor to have students this dedicated and trusting.” sandyspain.com
Illinois artist Rosemarie Oehler Adcock told us, her state “was shut down a precious few days after a major one-person exhibit opened, only to be locked down, with no one permitted to go anywhere. I work alone every day, so the isolation is not new to me, but with the distraction of everything happening because of the virus, I decided to handle things in blocks of time to be able to concentrate in shorter bits, and do things I can’t normally do when I’m working in the studio. So rather than starting the next painting, I’ve taken more time to reconnect with people by phone. I actually have had more conversations with people in this pandemic isolation than my normal working isolation! It’s different, but I’ve allowed myself the ability to embrace this new, albeit temporary, normal. My work is large and complicated, so it takes great focus, which I know will be just around the corner again soon.” rosemarieadcock.com
New York artist Amie Ilva Tatem wrote, “Renee, Thanks for asking. Since I’m retired… I am free and working on a mixed mediums piece, while sharing time with putting together my poetry book. Mint patties aid in inspiration for both.” facebook.com/Starreacher22
Catherine Hicks lives in Austin, TX. She posted, “Hello! I am taking this time to connect with my art making as a meditative and restorative practice; to explore new lines of questioning and to think about what my work means, both to myself and others.” catherinehicksart.com
Ann Dunbar shared, “In this trying times, the role of the artist has become such a special one – we are there to bring awareness of life and its resilience, to give hope with inspiring therapeutic images, to educate,show how we create and change our mindset to positive action, to entertain with exciting posts, videos and to communicate ideas with uplifting thoughts through our art. I truly believe it is a time when the artists craft will be appreciated and sought after for solace, distraction and inspiration at these very difficult times.” anndunbarart.com
Olivia Alexander shares her busy projects, “I’m on the Gold Coast, Australia and my most of my art is about the ocean; its beauty, its colours and the theme of it being a place of renewal and peace. I’m sharing more images and posts about this. Also messages of hope and some free courses and tutorials to help people in isolation. I send e-newsletters 1-2 per month. Planning some of 2020 ahead; blog post ideas, mini tutorials and turning my offline classes into online courses. And ideas for exhibitions other than galleries. oliviaalexanderart.com
Read Artists Share Positive Ways They Are Using Time in Isolation Part II
Read Artists Share Positive Ways They Are Using Time in Isolation Part III
I hope you don’t look back later and say, why didn’t I use that time more constructively?
This is a good time to acquire new strategies and improve your marketing tools.
Renee, I often hear the comment “I can’t focus which makes creating difficult.” Instead of beginning a new project, take out those unfinished paintings. They have no deadline, so why not play around with them? If you routinely need silence to paint, change it up with your favorite music in the background. When our minds are silent during stressful times, it resembles a frantic gerbil on a treadmill! A different approach can initiate new ideas and be the perfect catalyst for your next piece.
Excellent advice Lisa!
I told my husband this morning that we should try to look at this as a “staycation “and rather than feel locked down, use it as an opportunity to enjoy our home which we love, spend more time with our dogs, cooking together and projects like cleaning and organizing my studio, Cleaning out my closet and him cleaning his office. Truly I am counting my blessings because there are a lot of people who are in dire circumstances.
The anxiety of the situation is getting to me and I am having trouble sleeping and having trouble concentrating on any one particular thing. At this point I am not producing anything. I’ve stopped watching the news except for the half hour evening national news, if you watch CNN or Fox news all day it will make you even more anxious.
Deborah, this is certainly a time of testing our patience, isn’t it? I like your attitude about viewing it as a “staycation” and enjoying your home. And, I found, the less I pay attention to the alarming headlines the better I am. Instead, I focus on watching interviews with philanthropists like Bill Gates who is pouring money into finding the cure and helping humanity and reading about good deeds being made by ordinary people to help their neighbors, etc. Stay well!
Thank you, Renee!
Wonderful, thank you Renee! I have been using this time to create lots and lots of Plein Air paintings!
So nice to hear from you Susan as I’m one of your biggest fans. I look forward to seeing your new Plein Air paintings. Stay safe and keep painting!
Although I am working from home and not from my studio, time seems to slide through my fingers. So much to do, so little focus. I feel uprooted but strive to have a routine. I paint every day for a few hours in a corner I am using as a “studio”. My studio is in an old school that has not operated as such for over a decade but the Governor ordered all schools closed and I got caught in the net.
Also working on a small commission. It is hard to concentrate but I am trying hard. I cannot fathom not being able to paint for the indefinite length of time that this crisis seems to be taking.
Thank you Bela for sharing. I hope you are safe and calm. Enjoy painting in your new corner “studio”.