April 2020 was a very challenging month for many of us, as it was the second month of being in isolation. For many artists it meant adjusting to a new and welcome routine, such as acquiring more time to create art. It also served to increase quiet reflection about themselves and the changing world in which they live. Curious to know what my artist friends learned and experienced in April 2020 during COVID-19, I placed this question on my Facebook page.
The answers that have poured in inspired this article. I selected several artists with whom I have had a long-term relationship. Some of them are members of either Manhattan Arts International or The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS online art galleries, where I am founder/director.
I hope you enjoy reading their comments and viewing their artwork. Their names will take you to their websites where you can see more of their art and learn more about them.
Tracy Ellyn: “That miraculous beauty isn’t necessarily only in museums we can’t get to right now. It is all around us. At times, right outside our own door, if we stop to see it all with fresh eyes. Nature, buildings, texture, compositions, color and light. Stopping everything. A fresh, new perspective is sometimes all it takes.”
Janet Jordan: “I learned that life is full of in-between times….not always starts and finishes. And in those times, it’s up to me to make every minute count, instead of wishing things were different.”
James Bacchi: “Just how important it is for collectors to support their favorite artists by supporting the galleries that support them.”
Linda Watson: “That the best remedy for despair (at least for me) is to increase my time in meditation and prayer. And to stay in the moment and feel gratitude for what is in the here and now. . . . .like ripe tomatoes from my garden, cooling trade winds, birdsong, starlight and amazing tropical blooms.”
Rajul Shah: “My studio has once again become my solace.”
Yvonne Welman: “I discovered the books Seven sisters from Lucinda Riley. I am a painter and a reader. Most of the time I am in heaven. Of course I miss people but I can suppress these, at the moment, not constructive feelings.”
Lisa Freidus: “I have always worked at home and enjoyed the solitude. But when you are told you can’t go out, especially if you are a senior citizen, suddenly that peace turns into frustration. You begin counting the days until normalcy returns, but when will that be? However, I am grateful for the ability to paint. This helps the hours pass and hopefully my art will reach out to those sitting in their frustration.”
Carolyn WarmSun: “How wonderful it is to paint when, what, and how I feel like painting without being pushed by a schedule, i.e. “need another painting for the monthly blog!!!” Suspending the monthly Blog, turning it into a quarterly Blog, has been an enormous relief! I am enjoying painting more, and liking the paintings I am doing more.”
Zahava Sherez: “I’ve learned so much: I can still make art even if I don’t have enough or all of my regular supplies; I have designed a new line of resin & bronze outdoor sculptures (for an upcoming project in the Chilean Patagonia) and making larger clayprints & mixed media for a gallery in Ajijic, MX; a healthy routine is extremely helpful for me; meditation and books feel my heart and soul (Paul Selig’s 7th book, Brene Brown latest, Jerry Saltz How to be an Artist; The Dutch House by Ann Patchett); living without a TV is a Blessing and so are computer games! It’s not like many of these things will change after shelter-in is lifted but I want to remember the peace and heightened focus I was able to achieve when there are no outside demands of any kind.”
At this time sheltered-in-home gives me hours to create and review my art inventory. I have finished about 11 artworks in the last month with reframing and updating and new titles in mixing media. I feel grateful my husband is doing well without medical needs, and he is more relaxed. We both walk daily with a goal of 2 miles. Our family nearby does many grocery purchases for us so we stay safe and are at home.
Renee, thank you for including me in this insiteful article. Both Good and bad come in cycles. I use this statement as a reminder that this too will pass.