In these unprecedented times we are all thinking about what is essential. It seems the first thing that everyone thought was essential was toilet paper which made for a lot of very creative art and jokes. We then started to think about our stomachs and filling our pantries. Then we worried about our mental health, trying to figure out how we can get through the stress that overlays everything.
A lot of people find stress relief with puzzles so I created this one, available on Zazzle.
For me the waves of worry started with thoughts of my art career. My main vehicle for bringing in income has been art fairs which have all been cancelled or postponed. In my nearly 30-year career as a full-time artist, my primary goal has been to make enough of an income to allow me to make art. When I think of not making money I equate it with not making art, which is essential to me.
Then I realized these initial thoughts were self-centered, since the rest of the world has been struggling with more important issues.
I can’t stop making things. It’s what I do. I must take things, transform them and then somehow share them with the world. But is that essential right now? This crisis has made people think about what they do and how they can find meaning in their lives while also trying to survive.
A beautiful backsplash created by my husband at Clay Squared to Infinity.
My husband Josh’s handmade tile studio and showroom provides the other half of our business. We have had to figure out what is essential there, as well. Our showroom is closed but we still offer an e-commerce side which, as it turns out in Minnesota, is considered “essential.” During the first few weeks of the state-mandated shutdown we pared our employees down to only those that could work at home. This meant I was the logical choice to fill in as our packager. It was interesting to learn that side of the business, but now that we have been approved for a PPP Loan we can bring our employees back in, at least part-time, in separate rooms. It will be so good to see them again, even at a distance! Now I can return to my studio full-time (or close to full-time).
Little creatures I made thanks to suggestions from the viewers during my Facebook “Live Open Studio” event. It was especially fun that my brother-in-law helped my nephew make a play dough elephant at this event.
Much of my studio time now is spent exploring ways to connect virtually with others. I was on a podcast last week called Art Fair Radio, to talk about our business receiving the PPP Loan. I joined in webinars from the American Craft Council and studied the email I’ve been receiving to discover more ways to survive in this new economy. But my favorite online time is when I get to reach out to others through Facetime, Zoom meetings and good, old-fashioned phone calls. I have begun hosting “ART365 Virtual Open Studios” on Facebook Live and held my first Online class last weekend. I think most of us are beginning to realize how essential these connections are.
I’ve been posting lots of “made to order” ornaments on www.claysquared.com with the help of my assistant Louise who works from home.
Back in pre-Covid-19 days, I connected directly with hundreds of people at art fairs and classes every week. I saw the joy on my customers’ and students’ faces over and over which fed my soul. Is that essential? Was I providing essential smiles and essential joy? I now think of my art hanging in hundreds of houses all over the country and can only hope that it is out there providing a little essential joy. I know the art I surround myself with does that for me. In fact, not traveling as much has given me time to hang some art, rearrange it and then spend time enjoying it, which I have to say is essential to me. No matter what, I will keep making art and determining new ways to get it out in the world.
Luckily I am well stocked up on vessels of all sorts to cover: this creamer turned into a very happy little bird.