loving art, science and creative kids

We conquer problems put before us in unique ways. Staying sequestered gave us an opportunity to consider how we’ve gone about those tasks in the past and how we plan to proceed in the future. When confronted with change, I paint. It is a soothing way to think through the problems I’ve experienced during this pandemic. The first four pictures in my Covid-19 series were inspired by daily walks through my neighborhood.

In early March, Portland was greeted with a snowstorm blanketing flowers, branches, and buds that were teasing us of a future that returned us to light—telling us that for sure there would be one. Walking alone through the silent white streets of the Northwest Hills was magical. Passing a house with daffodils on the front lawn pushing through the snow, I was struck by how determined all living things, plants as well

as animals, are to survive.

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Three weeks later there was no holding back as the earth burst forth and splattered about the most brilliant colors I’ve seen in the last thirty years. Crocuses, tulips and daffodils were joined by a cacophony of colors rivaling fireworks on the Fourth of July. Red, white, yellow, pink and purple flowers covered trees and bushes everywhere I went. Unpolluted by car exhaust, they sparkled in the exceptionally clear air and their fragrance added to a feeling of well being. In the long term, I knew everything would be fine. Patience is what was called for now.

During the following two weeks I walked by dozens of men and women preparing gardens, carrying heavy bags of fertilizer and laying out plant starts. I was realized that new ways of designing and managing our communities are called for. It has  to be done more carefully than ever this year. The pandemics as well as global warming repeatedly slap us in the face, forcing acknowledgment that change in inevitable. Nations need to rethink ground rules of how they interact and support each other. How the world prepares for the fires it is bound to face in the future, the innovations that must be made, and the adaptations that will be asked of us all will determine how well we and our offspring survive over the next decades.

It is difficult to remain in isolation when it’s warm and sunny outside. It makes us want to move and fly carefree in the wind. Yet, the pandemic is not over and we have to stay as grounded as a kite is when it’s attached to a string to keep it from disappearing. Without caution we could loose more than we already have.

As paintings are added to my Covid-19 series, I’m sure the environment and people I connect with while walking and on Zoom, with will continue to inspire thoughts.  My goal through the summer season is to remember to act cautiously and creatively, intelligently and compassionately, and to stay healthy and upbeat in designing my new tomorrow. It is the only way I know to artfully conquer this pandemic. 

Art is always for sale. Covid-19 pictures are found under WORKS on the home page of my web site.

Do tell share what creative activities you engaged in when sequestered at home.