HEARTFELT ISOLATION
transforming a period of 'self-isolation'
into a positive, life-giving experience
Diagnosed with a serious illness,
during a global pandemic,
I feel an on-going need to nurture
my physical and mental well-being.
My world has contracted to those places and people
I feel are necessary and safe.
Initially, this had quite a negative impact on me
(and still does from time to time.)
But over time,
with reflection and contemplation
(and lots of lateral thinking!),
I have sought to transform this self-isolation
into a positive, life-giving experience.
I have always loved the opportunities Artist-in Residence programmes offer:
personal growth,
interaction with artists in a variety of media,
engagement with the public.
I was privileged (and grew immensely)
during a 6 week residency at The Arts Village, Rotorua.
So I penned this description
of an Artist-in Residence opportunity
that would appeal to me.
during a global pandemic,
I feel an on-going need to nurture
my physical and mental well-being.
My world has contracted to those places and people
I feel are necessary and safe.
Initially, this had quite a negative impact on me
(and still does from time to time.)
But over time,
with reflection and contemplation
(and lots of lateral thinking!),
I have sought to transform this self-isolation
into a positive, life-giving experience.
I have always loved the opportunities Artist-in Residence programmes offer:
personal growth,
interaction with artists in a variety of media,
engagement with the public.
I was privileged (and grew immensely)
during a 6 week residency at The Arts Village, Rotorua.
So I penned this description
of an Artist-in Residence opportunity
that would appeal to me.
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Artist-in Residence opportunity.
A 1929 sun-filled farmhouse, set in 1/2 acre, surrounded on 2 sides by towering macrocarpas, with views of the water and varied bird life. The house has been home to a printmaker, felt-maker, painter, modeller, mixed-media artist, textile artist, paper maker, curator, labyrinth-maker. It has been visited by poets, musicians, writers, performance artists, photographers, wood workers, graphic artists, jewellery makers, puppeteers, film makers, sculptors, environmental artists. Evidence of this artistic legacy is on the walls and shelves of this historic homestead. Artist can work in any room. There are two libraries filled with books, DVDs, board games. There is good internet connection. Scattered about are several eclectic collections: teapots, stones, sewing machines. Separate from the main house is a studio currently occupied by a mixed media artist and photographer. Beside this is a carport with power, a concrete floor and a retractable clothes line. There is also a work shed/'man cave' with power, good lighting, assorted power tools and a workbench with a vice. This homestead is located in a small village, within walking distance to most amenities. There is a regular bus to the nearby city (10kms). |
I have described my own home.
I am taking this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
to work and create
at my own pace
in my own space
with a digital interface with the public.
I turn up every day.
I create SOMETHING every day.
I am taking this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
to work and create
at my own pace
in my own space
with a digital interface with the public.
I turn up every day.
I create SOMETHING every day.
I have set up several work stations
to tempt the creative spirit
when negativity gains an upper hand.
I live alone so have freedom
which isn't available to all.
Several years ago, when I did have a house full of people,
I created a workstation which slid under my bed when not in use.
to tempt the creative spirit
when negativity gains an upper hand.
I live alone so have freedom
which isn't available to all.
Several years ago, when I did have a house full of people,
I created a workstation which slid under my bed when not in use.
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I rediscovered a bag of fabric circles cut out for a friend for an activity on Children's Day. They are the beginning of Gratitude Flowers, a simple activity to grow an attitude of gratitude through stitch and colour. |
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I have slung a bag of 4 ply yarn and double pointed needles into a recycled, homemade tote bag over the back of my chair. An invitation to knit socks for winter. |
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While sorting out fabric scraps,
I found a selection of Japanese prints. I have tossed them all in an old suitcase, sitting beside the sofa. I have drafted a pattern ready to create komebukuru bags, Japanese rice bags, to use as gift wrapping or gifts. |
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In another suitcase,
(sitting wide open so I cannot ignore it!) are Dammit Dolls. They are incomplete, all needing a hand stitched face. I do one a day, simply to remind myself of the healing, meditative nature of needle and thread, used slowly, mindfully. |
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Not every activity is directly related to creativity.
I have a card table set up with a jigsaw puzzle in progress. A bit of "down time", with advantages I have discovered. Focusing on the detail, I am able to set aside the big picture. I look at connections, patterns, colours, shapes, groupings. I have a deepening appreciation of the skill set required to create a puzzle. This has encouraged to look more attentively at different media and what skills are used to create these pieces. There is no time limit or deadline (unless my daughter wants her card table returned!). |
I surround myself with examples of creative thinking.
Not examples of excellence (although many are indeed very good ).
These works of art, of the heart,
are Art for Heart's Sake.
Some are tangible memories (photographs in textile, so to speak).
Others reflect a stage or time in my life.
Some are visible expressions of invisible, or repressed, feelings,
finally given a voice.
Some are crafted by me. Others by those I love and admire.
Each time I encounter these items with conscious attentiveness,
I grow.
Each time I pause with them,
I appreciate another aspect of their construction.
Each time I meditate with these works of the heart,
I am healed.
There are options to having your home as a gallery!
Take photos and create an album on your phone
or use a digital photo album somewhere best suited to you.
Use on-line tools, such as Pintrest,
to gather images which appeal or provoke,
encourage or enrage.
Make a collage of favourite pieces and slide it under your bed,
reflecting on it when you are able.
Have one display space
and curate your own 'mini exhibition'
every now and then.
Put favourite images on every day items, such as
placemats, coffee cups, T-towels, fridge magnets.
Reflect when you use them.
Take photos and create an album on your phone
or use a digital photo album somewhere best suited to you.
Use on-line tools, such as Pintrest,
to gather images which appeal or provoke,
encourage or enrage.
Make a collage of favourite pieces and slide it under your bed,
reflecting on it when you are able.
Have one display space
and curate your own 'mini exhibition'
every now and then.
Put favourite images on every day items, such as
placemats, coffee cups, T-towels, fridge magnets.
Reflect when you use them.
