I tend to express myself better with art than words, this tends to be due to the shortcomings of language and the confusion surrounding the way in which an audience perceives what is either being said or written. Though there is much room for interpretation with art, I feel it has a more universal and connecting role in our lives. Along with being able to express myself in this way much more fluently are the reasons why I choose to draw my experiences. Covid caused my unemployment and partially my homelessness, my brother and I had to couch hop which was a challenge during these times. Staying safe, having people willing to help due to the virus and other health related issues surrounding it. The same goes for finding a house to rent, though we eventually did, it was a friend of a family instead of an apartment or other. Places weren't renting out and there weren't vacant homes due to the inability to evict. My family has always been really important to me but they are at increased risk due to my parents age so we limited severally our physical contact and now live on our own. Food Pantries were more difficult to use due to restrictions and precautions and limited supplies. Being an artist and going to university has changed much as well, not being able to make art in the studios or have in person critics and lessons completely changed how I made art. My space was much smaller, I had access to less supplies and tools. I had to rent internet and a laptop from campus to continue my education while homeless until now. These challenges have only helped me grow not only as an artist but as a person as well. We continue to take precautions and follow all the guidelines.
January 18, 2021
With the news of some of my friends receiving the first vaccine I felt really hopeful. I bought clothes that I could eventually wear back to work and thought about all of the wonderful things that 2021 could bring. I am hoping that we will be vaccinated by the fall and may daughter can start middle school by walking in the door with her friends. But of course, with the excitement of the holiday (even though we didn't really do anything!) and everything leading up to it, I felt busy and hopeful. Now, I know there is darkness that is going to run its course and we have to hope we can safely get through the next few months +. I am still going to hold on to my hope, but I feel that we are in the one foot in front of the other mode again. It's daunting.
January 5, 2021