I’ve filled most of it through teaching online, cooking, gardening, reading, watching (Netflix and animation shorts, anyone?) and learning online (currently, I’m taking Patricio Betteo’s course on Digital Painting in Photoshop on Domestika), and not to mention copious sessions of video chats, texts and audio calls with loved ones. Hearing the soothing voice of the familiar is reassuring, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t say I yearn so much to be able to be near them again.
I watched animation director and game designer’s Florian Grolig’s In the Distance very early on when the lockdown began, and found many parallels between his depiction of war and of the current situation with the virus at large. With a static, zoomed out frame throughout, we see how a character (and his pet rooster) navigate the uncertainties that loom closer. With an ending that was open for interpretation, I found the short to be an apt metaphor for the times that we now find ourselves in.
Also, if you’re a fan of animated shorts, Pictoplasma has announced that they’re running the annual Pictoplasma conference entirely online this year from 18-19 September 2020, completely free (although donations are most welcome!) I’ve been to the conference twice, and it’s absolutely one of my favorite conferences ever; and I’m sure this year will be no different.
It’s the third week of enforced movement restriction in my country, and I’m sitting at home alone, working on my laptop. From the outside in, things may look the same, because it’s a routine that I go through everyday. But it isn’t, not anymore.
It’s like watching a horror movie slowly unraveling itself in real time. Thousands are getting sick, and it’s spreading like wildfire. Country and borders are on lockdowns (or movement restrictions, like mine), with extensive travel restrictions in place. Hospitals and health care professionals are working in overdrive to combat the first global pandemic of its kind.
If you’re scared or anxious, you’re not alone. I am too.
I remember this time last month, when the situation wasn’t as worrying yet; when it hadn’t yet tipped into a situation where alarm bells would be rung. People still went on their lives as usual, with the exception of increased hand washing/sanitising, interspersed with news of how pharmacies were running low on stock of face masks and hand sanitisers (and toilet paper). And now? I have no words to describe how surreal it all is.
The uncertainty of what’s happening, or what going to happen is unsettling. I’m physically separated from a loved one, because we both want to do the right, responsible thing. Sucking it up doesn’t mean the situation doesn’t suck – it still does, but it’s important to us that we do the things we can. And so here we are.
I’m fortunate to be able to work from home, but I know so many others aren’t. Businesses are experiencing a slow trickle, and some have come to a grinding halt. Everyone’s scared because we don’t know what the future will look like when the world finds its way back to a new normal. Plus, right now with social distancing being our best bet to flatten the curve, it can get a little lonely. Aside from working, here’s a list of things I’ve done so far that’s helped me feel a little less hopeless:
Spending time with my dog, Jojo. Fur-aphy is real and a thing.
Gardening. I’m very lucky to have a garden; it’s where I tend to my edible plants. (So I can eat them later, ha!)
Pinterest. Looking at pretty things makes me feel that things are normal… at least for a few minutes, even if I know it’s not, and won’t be for a while.
Exercising. The gym is closed, and with it comes experimenting with new workouts using only my bodyweight (I miss lifting weights).
Texting, calls and video calls with loved ones. Reaching out and talking to people, family and friends helps me feel connected in a time where being physically disconnected is painful and real.
But enough about me.
What about you?
How have you been? How have you been coping? How is it where you are, and what’s your form of self-care? Share stories, updates, and your ups and downs with me, and feel free to vent if you’d like. I’m all ears (and I read every comment and email).
Hi there and welcome to Pikaland! This is my personal playground where I write and research about art, creativity, and the pursuit of art entrepreneurship. Enjoy!
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