Staying Creative in a Sheltered State of Mind
Several years ago, I read somewhere (and I am paraphrasing here) that an artist collects emotions and inspirations from all over the place. Sometimes it is found in the grandeur and power of nature such as witnessed at Niagara Falls or the Grand Canyon, but for others it can come from something as small and delicate as a glistening spider’s web. Some artists are moved to create by what might seem insignificant to others. It might be something as simple as a slip of crumpled paper or a passing shadow on the ground.
Although we now find ourselves in a world where the “new normal” prevents us from travelling to exotic locals, we can still find inspiration if we only choose to. While staying safely sequestered at home our minds do not have to remain sheltered in the same sense as our physical bodies are required to for the time being. Our minds and imaginations can still roam quite freely, finding a muse for our creativity in unexpected ways without ever leaving home. Granted, it might not be what piqued our imagination in the past, but being of an artistic nature can lend itself to new, unexplored subjects and ways to share them with others. Let’s be imaginative - find a way to continue to create AND share our work with the world!
I am happy to report that this is already happening. I am amazed by the artwork inspired by the quarantine itself; from actual masks being created in many unique ways to the paintings of those wearing masks. I am also astounded by the many works featuring items now in short supply (i.e. toilet paper, sanitizer, soap and the like) and how the particular artist may feel about that situation. These artists have really decided to “roll” (pardon the pun) with the inspiration at hand. Expressing themselves in a unique way especially fitting to this unexpected and unusual time we find ourselves in.
Ever innovative, artists, galleries and art related organizations have found inventive ways to continue to display and sell their work during these unexpected circumstances. These range from online exhibits in place of scheduled “actual” shows to “virtual” First Friday events that last only for the hours that the reception would have taken place. Other groups have organized one day tours where artists display their work in their own front yard and “visitors” can follow a map provided by the organization on social media. In essence, this is like “curb side pick-up” if you will. A quite successful version of this was held in Spokane, WA, in early May. Organizers were so happy with the way things went that there are plans to revisit the idea again and possibly make it an annual event.
This small nest sits in a tree just off the porch of my studio. For a short
while I was able to watch the activities of the small family that called it home,
but now this is all that is left behind. It in itself is a thing of beauty and
something I felt compelled to paint even after its family had moved on.
“What’s Left Behind” – framed size 9” x 12”
Another idea that has taken hold is for artists to help other artists in this time when sales are down for most of us due to outdoor shows being cancelled and galleries being temporarily closed. A movement was started on Instagram where artists offer work for sale at $200 or less. When the artist sells $1000 in artwork that artist pledges to buy a piece of art from another artist participating in the pledge. ANYONE can buy from the artist offering the painting.
I thought this was a pretty cool idea during these unusual times. Currently I have three paintings offered there with plans to list more. "What's Left Behind" (shown above) is one of them.
I can be found on Instagram at https://instagram.com/debbiehughbanks
These are just a few of the ingenious ideas I see from folks in the art world as they learn how to deal with where we are in the world right now. As artists we all want to continue to be able to create, share and sell our work. Stay Safe . . . Stay POSITIVE . . . and STAY CREATIVE!
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