Mass Proliferation (COVID), © Patricia Pinsk
Art, COVID and not going crazy
This will only last a few weeks.” Ha! It’s been months since the world has been in a state of absolute panic.
You’re stuck indoors and told not to socialize. You fantasize about going for a beer with friends. Your schedule is completely off kilter. You just want life to return to normal — whatever normal is. Since it’s the first time for most of us to experience something like this, it’s unsettling. It’s beyond words (unless you’re an author/story-teller). You wonder: How can you survive this, AND remain motivated to create great art, music, dance — or whatever it is you do? It’s an effort just to get dressed and comb your hair. How do you shift your perspective so it’s positive? How do you view this crisis as an opportunity? That’s right; you may never get this much time to isolate yourself from others (guilt-free) and be creative. Thanks to modern technology, you have plenty of ways to stay creative, motivated and focused without ever leaving your home. Let me tell you why it’s important to keep creating art in times of crisis.
In this article:
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Why the Arts matter more: How creatives save us from self-imploding
This isn’t the first plague; it won’t be the last.
Through the ages, the world has seen many people get ill and die from contagious diseases. The more famous plagues include: the Black Death of 1348, the Bubonic Plague of 1665, and the more recent AIDS and SARS epidemics. Now we must endure COVID-19. As many of you find yourselves locked indoors to “self-isolate”, you need an outlet to express your frustration, loneliness and anxiety. Rather than going out to stockpile-toilet paper as a method of calming yourself, you need a positive outlet (refer to: The psychology behind why toilet paper is the latest coronavirus panic buy). Why do the arts matter more now than ever before? Simple. Art helps you connect to others and others to you. Historically, many great artworks have resulted from pandemics. We have yet to define the iconic pieces that capture this whole COVID crisis. When we do, you hope they carry the same emotional impact as Anthony van Dyck’s Renaissance painting “Saint Rosalie interceding for the plague-Stricken of Palermo”, or Guillaume de Machau’s medieval music from the time of plague (YouTube 23:28).
When art speaks about global anxieties and concerns, it helps others feel heard, less isolated, angry or depressed. It helps us all release a bit of pent-up angst. When we’re all hiding in our homes, and it seems like the universe is self-imploding, being surrounded by meaningful art, music or dance is comforting, consoling and amusing (albeit dark).
Creating art helps you process trauma, and better manage any negative emotions during a time of crisis. Art helps you express what is otherwise too tough to state.
It can stop you from losing your sh*t (so you no longer need your pallet of toilet paper except for paper mache). Do you wonder what the best outlets are to stay connected during a crisis? It turns out plenty of online platforms exist. Let’s check out your options.
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8 creative ways to beat a crisis (and find good in the bad)
There are plenty of creative ways to beat a crisis either as an artist or art appreciator.
It doesn’t matter if you are old-school or not, plenty of options exist. Provided you’re healthy, there’s no reason to be miserable. Social media live streaming and apps like Zoom are great for offering “live, innovative, interactive sessions” with umpteen friends and fans. Plus, it’s a reason to wear your noise-cancellation headphones, if screaming kids or noisy neighbors are getting to you. Consider these popular creative outlets:
Since COVID has forced us to stop in our tracks, why not take this time to test new art making alternatives?
As the Greek philosopher, Plato, stated: “Necessity is the mother of invention”. You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to start -- just an internet connection via your phone or computer (to capture and post video/audio). Social media makes it easy to connect, “live stream”, or read and watch what others are doing. Being an artist during a crisis is hard. But, I promise that once you start, you’ll see things in a better light. Let me explain why.
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What art can do in a crisis? 5 reasons you need it
Beyond beauty, there are many things art can do in a crisis.
5 noteworthy points are:
If you’ve been having a COVID pity-party, it’s time to put on your fancy-dancy pants and help yourself AND your community through a bit of creative art-making.
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What’s the art community’s role during a crisis (together yet apart)
If you’re used to living in a bustling city that is now devoid of anyone, notably the downtown core, the stillness is unnerving (except for the pigeons, raccoons and other critters that have reclaimed the area -- it’s been party-time for them).
Beyond the online social media community, your local art community’s role during a crisis is important. For example, it brings beauty to an otherwise barren, eerie landscape. During this COVID pandemic, shop-keepers boarded up their stores with ugly wood panels to reduce crime. In Vancouver, and around the world, artists transformed these ugly boards into interesting Corona virus-themed murals. These paintings inspired hope and gave thanks to those on the front lines. They gave a sense of community to one that temporarily lost its way. They also brought awareness to communities on how to stay safe. The front line worker in uniform, messages to wash your hands or social distance were ubiquitous.
We've never been closer ~ mural in Vancouver, BC
COVID mural in Vancouver, BC
It’s not just the visual, but literary creations that uplift the masses. For example, there’s “Stay the F#@K at Home”, a COVID-specific children’s book (YouTube 8:34):
As for global community music merry-making, daily evening cheers and percussive cookware-clanking sessions occur (dedications to front line hospital workers). The boisterous energy may only last several minutes, but the effect goes beyond the moment.
Such music-making activities make us smile, whether they happen from cars, rooftops (#quarantinemusic), or occasional singing flash mobs (YouTube 2:01): 
The masses have a need for such events, as they search for ways to voice, comfort or amuse themselves during this time.
The thing about plagues, no matter how horrid they are, artists always create work within the midst of one, not to mention the many years that follow. Catastrophic periods in history change the “art landscape”. There’s variety in how artists depict each new plague, and new tools and techniques develop in which to create this art. This makes this time in art history so bittersweet; it’s a miserable yet exciting time. We are yet to determine how we emerge from this. My guess: countless paintings, comic books, novels, movies, concerts and so forth that echo our COVID-like experience will result. As much as we hate misery, we’re drawn to it -- all in the name of art and entertainment. So where do you fit into the creative world during this pandemic?
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Advice to artists during a crisis: 10 tips to keep ahead of the “crazy”
This is one of the toughest things you may ever face. With many stores, studios, and public places still closed, you may ask: “What’s the point? Who will see my art, anyway?” It turns out, millions of people, provided you have an internet connection, and are willing to promote it.
That’s the power of social media. It’s the “New world” of art creation and collaboration. I’m bumbling along like the rest of you, trying not to get Zoom-bombed, and learning new programs -- all while trying to portray some level of sanity. I don’t normally give advice -- especially during a crisis. But here are a few tips that help me:
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Artworks of past, present and future pandemics: Where to next?
I hope you get through this pandemic unscathed and develop the skills you need to get you through the next series of challenges life tosses you.
Remember that you are not alone. Although this “may be your first pandemic”, it’s probably not your last (sorry to be the bearer of bad news). 
There’s nothing like a crisis to shake up your world. Sometimes a bit of shake, rattle and roll is what you and the rest of the world needs. It forces you to exit your comfort bubble, try unfamiliar things, and push for innovation.
As this year marks “the dawning of the age of Aquarius”, expect a lot of world-wide changes to occur. Get ready. Put your blinders on to the horror to focus on what you can control. To survive the “crazy” and to create amazing art, remember:
Oh, for those of you wondering what to do with all your pallets of toilet paper, (and really have nothing better to do with your time) you can watch how to make toilet paper flowers (YouTube 3:47). Enjoy!
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