InLiquid Member Rebecca Schultz is using her quarantine time practicing yoga, making art, and watching old episodes of Bob Ross, all while recovering from COVID-19.
What are you doing to stay sane during this time?
I’ve been limiting my doses of the news, watching old episodes of Bob Ross (his voice is so calming!), doing some yoga, trying to make art although it’s been hard because I’ve been recovering from COVID-19 (yep, I got it but thankfully it’s been a mild case). I pulled out my stack of magazines the other day and have been making some collages, which takes less energy than painting. Also some digital art pieces on my phone. I’ve done some gardening but we’re in quarantine so I can’t take walks in the neighborhood which is driving me crazy. Family dinners and game and movie nights are keeping me sane too.
Do you have any advice for others?
Please, please go out as little as you can and wear a mask if you do! I have no idea how I got COVID. Also, artists, I feel like it’s implied that we suddenly have all of this free time to make art and that’s not necessarily true. We’re also juggling multiple commitments and trying not to freak out about what’s happening. Be kind to yourself; you’re not a bad artist if you’re having a hard time making things right now. At least that’s what I’m telling myself.
What’s your trick to making sure you’re washing your hands for 20 seconds?
I just count; I can’t deal with singing.
Do you have any TV or movie recommendations?
I’m reading Rebecca Solnit’s A Paradise Built in Hell, which is about how communities respond to crisis (hint: they help each other), and catching up on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Schitt’s Creek. I need a comedy right now.
Tell us about your usual studio practices!
I am a resident artist at the Cheltenham Center for the Arts this year and have a big studio but the building had to close two weeks ago, so I had to bring the paintings I’m working on home and set up my home studio again. At least my kids were home and able to help me move stuff. It’s also been hard to have the energy to make art because I’ve been sick.
I was also forced to re-think my upcoming performance project “Women’s Responses to the Ecological Crisis” and have launched a new, virtual project called My Eco-Ritual. Everyone is invited to participate! Info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1557334504415523/ and on the Cheltenham Center for the Arts Instagram account @cheltenhamarts
