Stuck at Home?
Things An Artist Can Do if Stuck at Home
So, I’ve actually been given 5 days medical leave since Sunday because i developed a cough and a runny nose. There’s no knowing whether it could have been COVID-19 so here I am, and today’s the fifth day. Thankfully, I am feeling a lot better (yay!). We did take some precautions at home too :
we didn’t share hand or bath towels
we had serving cutlery and didn’t share drinks
I slept in a separate room from my partner. He got to spend his nights with our 14 year old son.
Apart from resting and working on my laptop and art piece, it was really important to have other things to do to keep sane. In fact, it’s made me reflect and think about what’s important and that we need to SLOW DOWN - embrace our inner tortoise. Slowing down helps us reflect and be more thoughtful with our art process.
a) Stretching - yes, move around and continue with (or start!) an exercise routine. It doesn’t have to be intense, and we don’t want our bones and muscles to wither away from being a potato. I like Yoga with Adrienne but just google and find one you will enjoy!
b) Turn off that phone and anything gadgety - it’s okay to read the news, but too much negativity just sucks your energy away. Plus there’s only so much Netflix you can watch.
c) Listen to podcasts instead - I love Happy Place by Fearne Cotton, and How to Fail by Elizabeth Day, and listen to them while I do my art. Listen to something positive! We need it.
Lisa Teng espadrille making
d) Learn a new skill online - there are so many online courses nowadays we are spoilt for choice. Dionne Swift has kindly given unlimited access to her sketchbook course and silkscreen printing online at an amazing offer. Lisa Teng Studios won’t be able to give physical shoe making workshops at the moment, but has offered to send an espadrille making kit to your home with access to her teaching you online! Get in touch with her.
e) Read a book - find a thrilling book to read. I’m currently going through Game of Thrones (no spoilers please as I haven’t watched the show either!).
f) Connect with friends - social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t pick up the phone or do a video conference call with friends. Try google hangouts or zoom! Check in on each other just to say “hi”
g) Do some stitch meditation - get started and keep your hands busy! I find it useful just to increase my creative stamina when I don’t have an on-going project. You can even combine it with an ecoprint.
h) Do some hirameki - I discovered this awesome book about drawing what you see. Just grab a pen and draw! You can make it a fun game with your kids too.
