Express Yourself

If there's one lesson I've learned, it's that boredom and solitude make for plenty of time to create. I would have never thought I would be working several projects without concern for deadlines. Time is on my side.....for now. So why not make the best of it? Creating and exploring new ideas is a great way to relieve anxiety, to escape the negative energy flowing in abundance lately, and to freely express oneself. Let's face it, this Coronavirus surprise has impacted and change our comfort zone in many ways. Even I, who tends to be reclusive, find myself being challenged to my core at month two. I practically live in my studio. If it wasn't for creating art, I would be climbing the walls by now.

There's this odd almost distant, yet humble connection I've now developed within my studio space; in a way I hadn't imagined possible just a few months ago. Even the helicopters that once flew over my studio at set times that distracted me are now silent as are the planes. But instead, here sets a sewing machine on a table once used for creating mixed media art. It's motor rumbles as it attaches pieces of fabric now known as face masks. I couldn't resist including a touch of art, even to them, and why not? Anything handmade should express its uniqueness and show pride through craftsmanship. So why not through our masks as well?

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Each placed neatly in my closet along with other accessories will be worn and enjoyed. They have now become a part of my wardrobe and self expression.
We all know by now why we've been advised to wear cloth masks, so why not wear them in style; to adorn the face with expression of the one who breaths behind it? Why not make the best of getting out of the house to the grocery store? I never thought going to the grocery store would be the highlight of my time away from home. The closest thing to human connection lately, a well needed reminder that we're not alone in this time of uncertainty.
I so much miss the museum, jazz and wine night, the walks in the park, exploring the river with my camera, my close friends, and most of all, those warm family hugs and laughter bellowing from the ones I love. You too are not alone. We are all in this together. Please make the best of it. Let's use our time wisely, and welcome the freedom to express ourselves through the creative process. Enjoy this site and get inspired to do something uniquely your own. We creatives will be back in full swing, and just in time to share what we have completed, knowing others will freely welcome the connection between our experiences. So why not develop and grow as artists and strengthen in areas that we haven't invested enough of ourselves in? Why not use this time to catch up on those projects long since set aside without enough time in the day to journey back to?
For all my fellow creatives, hang in there knowing that through creating art you have opened the door to expression and relieving stress. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece, just relax and enjoy  the experience. We will all look back at this place in time and hopefully cherish the better person that we have each become.

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Peace and joy.
C J