2020 Pandemic Art

I had a very hard time navigating daily life early in the pandemic. For the first time in my life I woke up each day with fear and anxiety. I cried often. I turned to art to tell the story happening around me. I used the local newspaper, East Bay Times, and pulled pieces together that said what I felt or believed. It reassured me that I was not alone and my thoughts were justified. This is the beginning of the story...more will follow.

Each day since lock down began on March 13, 2020, I have searched my soul for strength and found support near and far from family and friends through Zoom, handwritten notes, garden flowers shared, painted rocks delivered and meals shared in the front yard. Proms, graduations and moving away for college were canceled or delayed and I tried everything I could to help ease the loss for my sons. I planned a drive-by 21st birthday party and a "bring your own table, chairs and food" front yard graduation celebration for 3 families. The new normal became a walk in the park with a friend, keeping distance and wearing our mask. Attending outdoor farmer's markets rather than going to the grocery store as often. Visiting with family on the front porch or driveway. In fact, we celebrated Thanksgiving in camping chairs on my parent's driveway.

We have lost co-workers and learned of friends who became ill and continue to struggle daily. Focusing on our family, the realization came of how lucky we are. We are all here and healthy. I stopped watching television and listening to news. Each headline was overwhelming. Once I focused on my life, my family, my home, I began to feel comfort and feel fortunate for our well being and my mind became more calm and less anxious. The art I created became my outlet and release of anxiety for what was happening in the world. Once I created each piece I could release it. Today, over one year later, our family is fully vaccinated and our kids are living at and attending college. Yes, our lives are different, but we have adapted and feel fortunate to be here and are wiser, we do not take anything for granted. Be well.