I recently asked my artist friends on Facebook to share what they are doing now since the Coronavirus pandemic altered all of our lives. I was delighted to receive many replies from artists around the world. In this article artists share positive ways they are using time in isolation to improve their lives, art and careers. I encourage you to visit the artists’ websites to learn more about them. This is Part III and the final article of a fascinating series. Occasionally I post a different question on Facebook and invite artists to respond.
Positive Posts by Artists on Facebook ~ Part III of a Series
Nick Patten stated, “I can still work in my studio, it’s isolated in a mill building… newly finished piece. Thanks for opportunity.”
Mary Manning wrote, “In addition to creating new work, I have helped two galleries here in St. George, Utah mount online exhibits of my work — Arrowhead Art Gallery ETC and Arte’ Art Gallery.”
Kathleen Thoma explained, “My days are still filled with printmaking, and it is peaceful. I can still walk at least, they closed the pool. I am learning a bunch of new techniques online and having fun with that also.”
Jane Zamost shared, “Hello Renee and Fellow Artists — from New Jersey. Posting regularly with uplifting artwork/messages and sharing “art project of the day” that uses what we have readily available such as toilet and paper towel rolls, collage items, twigs and leaves from nature. And, starting every day making art – it’s a positive beginning – still working on my business goal for the year… To Flourish! Everyone be well, be safe and create. Art nourishes the soul like nutrition feeds the body. Warmly, Jane.”
Laura Eisen Hunt, an artist who lives in Fort Worth, TX, told us, “After having to cancel my studio event, I brainstormed ways to continue building relationships with my audience and maybe even take their mind off other things for a while. So I’m planning a virtual event during which people can choose one of my paintings to discuss, ask questions about, or wonder out loud about. I don’t know if it will work or not, but I know the planning has helped take MY mind off things!”
Judith Olivia HeartSong shared, “I am working to update our website to reflect our new Arizona location coming soon – the behind the scenes work is entailed and requires concentration.”
Terri Einer wrote, “Hi from Wisconsin. I’m creating my very first YouTube episodes. Learning as I go.”
Jennifer Beaudet commented, “I’m not sure why but I’m inspired by what we’re going through. I feel my new abstracts are more expressive and can’t wait to do the next one! I guess I work better when things aren’t ideal.”
Andrew Abney stated, “My non-art job is considered essential, but hours are much more controlled, so I am enjoying the deceased OT. The extra studio time is nice. I have been focusing on my art book and building a new portfolio of work.We are in Charles City, Iowa. Hard to believe that a little town like this has essential production, but we actually have three production facilities in that category. I will try to keep an update on the book. The text portion is going swimmingly. I have been a bit too distracted lately for the art portion to flow as smoothly.”
Elise Beattie explained, “My plan, alongside spending time painting, is to help others be fearless by assisting others in how to be creative through inspiration. Today , I wrote a blog about how I create abstract painting and this includes step by step photos and directions to help others enjoy a little creative thought. My hope is that this post and future how to posts will help inspire others to stay at home, stay well and be creative. Stay well my creative friends!”
Janet Toonen wrote, “Just b4 Christmas my home and studio burned. I have been taking this time to rewrite and begin new illustrations for my children’s book that I’d been working on. Its been a soul crushing blow but getting back to work doing what I love has been wonderful. My website is now open though I lost most of my inventory. The company that produces my books shutdown due to the pandemic.”
Kathleen Bennett shared, “Hi Renee, my full time job is essential and a scary one in healthcare… however… my art world keeps me grounded as I continue to focus on what inspires me. Dig deeper and appreciate the beautiful world around us. It is still there. Keep creating and sharing our gift of beautiful art.”
Yvonne Welman, from the Netherlands, informed us, “Older people are in self chosen isolation . We can all go out but have to keep distance or rather go out alone. I am busier then ever. Everything is on line at the moment. My artcourse about women in art. My modeling course send pictures of the model and I have to send pictures back. I phone friends. I do home chores and try to do the chores for my painting which I hate but now is the time to do them. But after two weeks in isolation it is becoming weird because our most special loved ones are staying away from you, because they want their parent to live and enjoy life. That is the problem, so I hope this will pass. My painting is very important now.”
Rajul Shah stated, “I’m in Singapore. We are not ‘locked down’ as much. But I’ve been using the time to refresh on instructive art videos, watching artists on YouTube, and experimenting with new materials that I haven’t had the time to do. I’ve retreated into a solo “creative workshop”. Hoping to have new and exciting work as my light at the end of the tunnel!
Joe Lopez, an artist from New Jersey shared, “Not having to go to work I can stay up all night working. Just completed my collage portrait of the murdered journalist Daniel Pearl.” facebook.com
Read Artists Share Positive Ways They Are Using Time in Isolation Part I
Read Artists Share Positive Ways They Are Using Time in Isolation Part II
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