Whilst we have to acknowledge that this pandemic is serious and in some cases, life changing, we must also recognize the positive outcomes of the situation. Personally, I have noticed that people are getting creative in many ways as a result of it. Whether it be cooking, cleaning, entertaining or working out, people are getting crafty. It was only today that I heard someone had made their own flour from oats just so they could have pancakes!
Unfortunately, there seems to be an air of negativity hanging over everyone’s heads at the moment. As I walk through my village, everyone I pass does so without looking up, smiling or saying hello. Just because I’m now stood two metres away instead of one, it doesn’t mean we can no longer acknowledge one another! My village is normally full of positive, bubbly people who are willing to speak to anyone, even if it is just about the weather. At this time, I believe it is just as important to focus on our mental health as well as physical. It has been said numerous times that increased stress can put us more at risk of becoming ill. So, I decided that I had to do something about it.
I am a student on an art foundation course and my plans to produce some public art for a Cambridge based company have been put on hold as a result of COVID-19. I still needed to submit some kind of public art, so I decided to form a community-based project. Something which would unite our village and surrounding community whilst fulfilling the requirements of my course.
My own Public Art project, entitled ever so creatively: My Tile.
Tile Submissions – 1
I requested tiles from the young, old and middle-aged, everyone would be involved. The tiles can either be posted through my letter box or emailed to me in order to conform with social distancing and self-isolation requirements. I am collecting tiles until the 20th April, after which I will be transforming the artwork into something beautiful for the whole village to enjoy. I hope with this, I am providing a source of entertainment, a sense of accomplishment and hope. Something to look forward to amidst this frightful situation.
In December, I withdrew my University application for BA 3D Craft & Design in the hope of pursuing a career as a freelance artist. Ever since, it has been a battle trying to find what people are interested in and in a final attempt to engage the public, I posted my project on Facebook. The original post was seen by over 3,000 people. I couldn’t believe it! The response to the project so far has been entirely positive, in fact it sparked quite a buzz! Upon sharing my desire for tiles, I was contacted by a neighbouring village who were asking to use the idea, as well as a care home and a school who hoped to repeat the project on a smaller scale. This means there are now four tile projects going on in Cambridgeshire during this pandemic. It has already felt hugely rewarding to have started a project which will bring happiness to now not only my own village but other communities in light of the current situation.
So far, I have received a total of nine tiles. I would be happy to reach around 40-50 in total. The number I receive is growing by the day, perhaps because we are all running out of household chores and homework to occupy ourselves with. Regardless of the reasoning, the response I have had has been positive. So, with that I believe I have already begun to achieve what I had hoped. I think everyone will learn something from the current situation. Should they be lucky enough to be unaffected by the virus itself no one will remain unchanged as a result of self-isolation and social distancing. It has certainly encouraged me to be more positive, to not get so caught up in what might happen but to focus on what is happening and make the best of it. To work hard and set myself goals in order to achieve what I have set out to achieve, instead of sitting and dwelling on the thought “what if it all goes wrong?”
And with that I bid you good luck and encourage every single one of you to live your lives one day at a time with a smile on your face.
Photo Credits
Photos courtesy of Maggie Powell – All Rights Reserved
Guest Author Bio
Maggie Powell
My name is Maggie, I am 19 years old and I am soon to finish my Level 4 Art Foundation. On top of being a budding freelance artist, I also enjoy playing hockey, speed skating and cycling. The majority of my artwork centres around my love for sport, although I have a secret aim that every piece should encourage someone to smile also. For the most part I specialise in painting, printmaking and drawing, however I enjoy working on collaborative work with other artists as well.
Blog / Website: Maggie Powell Art
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