Creativity in Quarantine
By Rachel Hardginski, Graphic Design and Videography Intern
“I’m not an artist.” This phrase often hinders people from trying something creative; however, I would like to encourage you that you don’t have to be an “artist” to create art.
Making art doesn’t mean creating a masterpiece to hang in the Louvre—for me, some of my favorite pieces I’ve created have been about the process. It’s like the cliché about life: Life is about the journey, not the destination. I think that holds truth to art as well. It’s a great way to express emotions, positive or negative.
Collage is another fun artistic expression. If you have any old magazines or newspapers, cut or rip out words or pictures that stand out to you, then place them in a new arrangement. The destruction process is also fun!
Another thing to try with newspaper is blackout poetry. This is where you take a marker and find words or phrases that stand out to you, connect them into a new sentence, then “blackout” the rest. Embroidery, knitting, weaving or crocheting are also great meditative processes.
If you’ve been wanting to start a new hobby, view this as an opportunity to do so! Art processes can help block out what’s going on around you for a short while and/or process your emotions.
What does art look like to you? If you don’t have any art supplies at home, what could be used to create? Pencils, tape, playing cards, an app on your phone?
As author Kurt Vonnegut puts it, "To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it."
Coloring, painting, or drawing can be relaxing, fun, and meditative. If you don’t feel creative, or you don’t know what to make, try copying a piece of art you admire, or set up a small still life (a small display of household objects).
