Updates from a COVID-19 Studio Artist

When I started the working collage series #lookingdown in late January, I had no clue where we would be here at the end of March. I guess none of us really had an accurate idea. I’m thankful that I have this particular series. It’s bright, hands-on, and playful. I can get lost in my mind while I’m working on them. I need this right now. I need the escape from the chaos outside our home. I hope you have an escape that makes you feel the slightest bit happy amongst everything that is happening.

I really feel that we will look back at the history of this event the way other generations have looked at wars, tyrannical leaders, plagues, and revolutions. I’m thinking about the historical impact of our present. What will future generations know of this particular moment? This is where my mind feels safe. Looking in the rearview at this.

The women that I am choosing for this series all come from the US South during the 1950s and 60s. I like to think about their time period and let my mind create a personal narrative for each woman.

My city is under a shelter in place order, my husband is a firefighter/paramedic, my daughter is high-risk. There’s a lot to worry about and I know I’m not alone. I choose to create art every day even when it is hard, cuddle and go on long walks with my kiddo, continue to homeschool and adjunct like I always have and keep things as upbeat as I can. Every day has its ups and downs and not all have been sunny. We march on. Stay safe friends ❤️

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