Art inspiration during tough times

I’m working from home and am almost through my eighth week of recovering from a bulging disc in my lower back. Brisbane is in a kind of partial stay-at-home level of lock down, so it’s important for me to have hobbies to focus on.

As I have felt better I have been able to do more art and what a sanctuary it has been during these tough times.

As the news updates me on the current situation of the spread of the coronavirus, I have been able to spend time with my iPad Pro creating the image above (with thanks to an excellent inspiration photo from the Sktchy App).

When I uploaded the artwork shown above to my facebook page, a dear friend/author/excellent editor, commented that it reminded her of Aslan and Lucy in the Voyage of the Dawn Treader where Lucy is grown up a bit more and Aslan said she wouldn’t be coming back to Narnia.

My dear friend made me look at this artwork with new eyes. She pointed out that that moment in the story was beautiful and poignant.

I was so touched by her comment and it made me look at my artwork differently. Initially it was just a digital drawing of a lion and a woman looking out into the vastness of the unknown, but once she put that comment on my photo… it felt right to me.

The night before I was inspired to draw another Sktchy inspiration (same muse) with a fantasy edge. I had a wonderful time exploring her form on paper with my blue biro pen and creating the horns.

I can see that my hand eye coordination is improving as I continue to draw, and I am so grateful for the life drawing classes I had been going to before things shut down for our own safety. Thankfully there are many online art resources and connecting with creativity isn’t too difficult to do as long as you don’t indulge the inner critic in the process.

I try to shut my inner critic in a small room with a puzzle to work on while I am busy creating. She kind of helps me sort through complexities in my life and doesn’t bother me too much when I need time out of life to draw, paint and write.

Life as I’ve known it, as we’ve all known it has changed since the Coronavirus has moved from one area to another spreading illness.

I am doing my best to love and appreciate all the people I have in my life and my animal companions. I’ve been reminded once again just how precious life it. All life.

And we can all play a part in stopping the spread of the virus by staying at home, washing our hands and practicing good social distancing. It’s a tough change for everyone and for some it is heartbreaking.

So, please take care. Care for yourself, your loved ones and the stranger down the street. We’re all interconnected and this virus has proved it in a way I never could have foreseen.

In this time of interconnection, I want to send out my heartfelt gratitude for all the people who are on the front line of healthcare, managing essential services and those who are keeping us safe by ensuring we’re following the guidelines. And I send love and hope to those who are feeling afraid. I send love to all who have lost loved ones to this virus too. I can only imagine how tough lock down has been for people around the world and the grief many are feeling as those they love have passed away.

My own mother is in a care facility and we are not able to see her for safety reasons. I am grateful that this safety measure has been put in place. It’s tough not to see her and to know that she doesn’t understand why we can’t come to visit, but it is for her safety and the safety of every other older person in residence as well as the marvellous staff who care for them.

I hope you can take a mini break and be playful with a touch of creative expression. I believe it is a heal balm for tough times.

Farewell for now and let’s all pray for a cure for this virus.