Inspiring Growth: Creativity in the Time of the Coronavirus investigates how “sheltering in place” has influenced artists’ work–mentally, emotionally, or physically–addressing the impact of confinement on artistic practice. How are artists finding ways to continue to cultivate creativity despite movement restrictions? Has the pandemic hindered or positively altered the way in which artists work, creating unexpected opportunities to explore new mediums, scale or subject matter? Are artists using this time to foster new initiatives, to look forward or back in time, or are they now addressing the pandemic and its impact on the region directly? Inspiring Growth features artwork of diverse media, highlighting the universality of artists working in isolation and the distinctive perspectives of artists from the region during this unprecedented time.
Henry O'Bryan
“Fractal”
Pencil on paper
October 15, 2021
This drawing required a lot of measuring in order to achieve an accurate perspective encompassing all the detailed squares. I created a perspective grid on each side which allowed me to place the fractal squares in correct positions. I worked on this piece for my portfolio for college over the pandemic and it taught me a lot about my style and what kind of art I enjoy creating.
Daniel Hankinson
“Bleeding Blue”
Watercolor on Paper
February 24, 2022
The ongoing adjustment and constant series of change and slowly growing comfortable.
Ray Eddy
“Disconnect”
Acrylic and water Color on paper 22x 28 in
February 2022
This piece is inspired by the growth of desensitization and numbness that came with the onset of the pandemic.
Roxanne Morelli
“Mr. Moore”
Ceramic
December 21, 2021
14”h x 10”w x10”l
The image is of my elderly gentleman, Mr. Moore. It is a Sculpture Class piece. One of the requirements of the assignment was an “intimate knowledge of your subject”, I have known Mr. Moore for 47 years. It weighs a ton!
Daniel Hankinson
“Fickle Flicking Flames"
Watercolor on Paper
February 24, 2022
The darkening of times when the only sustainable approach is to be your own source of light.
Sean Matheson
“Overwhelmed”
Digital Collage in Photoshop
February 5, 2022
It is about the stress everyone feels today over the quarantine and the virus.
Adriana Djelou
“In the Porter’s Hands”
Clay
February 3, 2022
Looking back and forward through the times of Covid 19, I felt it was challenging, inspiring and peaceful. Due to constant adjusting of the pandemic, it led me to alter my career choices. Completing, attempting/constant indecisiveness on degrees was all I did because Covid 19 shut down each option. Then I took a breath, relaxed and prayed. I began to see that instead of trying, why not rest and let God decide. As I did that, art came to me, and I became fair at it. Not only have I been found safe from financial, burden, health and sanity but I am relaxed in the potter’s hands.
Daniel Hankinson
“The Scream”
Charcoal and Conte Crayon on Toned Paper
January 22, 2022
Freeze frame the single moment when I realized my life would be forever changed.
Sasha Williams
“Linda’s Discerning Eye”
Acrylic Paint
December 15th, 2021
This painting is of my Grandmother, she struggled with mental illness but expressed herself through creativity. With passing away in 2008, her life inspired me to express her discernment over my life from a reflection upon hers. Even though the world may be wasting away in our eyes, see the beauty in Gods given vision.