What it Means to be an Artist During COVID-19

Art creates hope. This was my initial concept for a course that could be presented in an online format. We were given this task, creating a 10-hour course, as ArtistYear began to figure out how we could continue serving students without being in our schools. 

I really struggled to grasp the concept. How could my artistic skills be helpful in the midst of a worldwide pandemic? I couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that we need nurses, doctors, delivery workers, grocery store employees, and healthcare providers–the list goes on and on. How on earth was I supposed to be of any help whatsoever in this situation? 

Since I was grappling with these thoughts and questions, I decided that I would find the answers myself. I dove headfirst into my topic. Art creates hope. I found videos of artists changing their communities with murals and educational programs and safe spaces for at-risk youth. I found powerful TED Talks, beautiful artistry, and selfless souls, dedicated to using their craft to create change. 

I tried to adopt a positive attitude after absorbing all of this content, but I found myself overwhelmed. All of these artists were doing such big things, and I sometimes feel like I barely know how to “be” an artist anyways. Although I had initially been inspired and moved by these amazing artists, my anxious thoughts and tendency to overthink were creeping back in again. How could I compare? 

Luckily, after several weeks of virtual meetings, discussions with coworkers and family members, news articles, and social media exposure, something clicked. I began to shift my mindset from “how on earth can I help right now?” to “what can I do with what I have access to already?” I currently have a desk, a phone, a camera, and all the art supplies and random collage materials I’ve been collecting over the years. I have paper and scissors and glue and markers. I have creative outlets for expression, and I have platforms that allow me to share these forms of expression. While I can’t control what is happening around the globe, I can choose to contribute positively in the ways I best know how to. Whether it be working on a new art video for ArtistYear, posting pictures of my recent art projects and doodles, participating in a virtual community art share, or creating a hand-made card for a loved one, I am trying to dig deeper into my artistry during this time.

To make a long story short, I’ve had a shift in perspective on the idea that art creates hope. Yes, art most certainly creates hope–but in more and different ways than I had imagined. Perhaps me sharing what I’ve been working on recently will spark inspiration for someone else, encourage them to share their art, or put a smile on their face. Perhaps a video I made with my team will reach a student out there in the world and give them a starting point for their next project. Perhaps just showing others that I am trying my best will help them try, too.

And the biggest takeaway from this experience so far is that art is creating hope for me, too. Being able to sit at my desk and doodle helps me let go of all the tension, worry, and uncertainty, even for just a few minutes. Talking with someone from college to discuss their latest artwork has brought me joy and connectivity, which is something we could all use right now. Making cards and digital illustrations for loved ones has allowed me to feel purposeful and to do something kind for others. 

Thank you to the incredible Fellows and staff at ArtistYear for continuing to forge ahead through this uncertain time to provide art and hope to others. Staying creative and using our artistry in any form will provide a source of hope not only for ourselves, but for anyone who we reach with our work, too. Even if your project reaches one student, one family, one person, you’ve done your job well.