Spring in Southwark

Today’s blog, is written in a time of turmoil which is unprecedented and disturbing. Many of you are in isolation working from home away from your colleagues; maybe you have lost your job; or on the front line in the NHS. What ever your situation anxiety and stress are sure to be factors that will be affecting your lives. So, what does an artist bring to this situation.

Life in lock-down

I see many people documenting this time in short video clips from celebrities captured at home to everyday people talking through life behind their front door. Either entertaining us with amusing jovial pranks or music renditions.

I’m probably one of those people who have been in isolation for years deeply engrossed in my own achievements oblivious to the world around
me. What I have learnt is that keeping busy has its benefits mentally. Set daily tasks; take breaks; tap into support networks; and look after yourself.
This time is sure to bring on mental health issues for many who are not normally confined to their own four walls. Some people have more luxurious surroundings but many in city locations are confined to small spaces which can prove challenging. For many years I would paint in my own bedroom and did not have the luxury of an art studio. Such creative distractions certainly helped me over come long periods of time away from society seeking a new employment direction.

Maltby Street Market Bermondsey , South London

What does the future hold?

Year on year I try and set goals and ambitions to achieve. This year I had grand ideas but as fate has it these dreams have been put on hold thanks to Covid 19. My background was not always art, having studies Business Studies I always like to try and think out of the box. Times like this we all need to be visionary and optimistic about what the future could hold. It is very easy to become depressed and inward thinking. So set your sights to the future and look for small opportunities. Don’t forget to pat yourself on the back when you reach these goals.

A time for reflection

Some of you are probably wondering what this blog post has to do with art. Art means many things to many people. I’ve always tried to capture a frozen moment in time drawing scenes that capture the vibrancy of the area and life as we know it and enjoy. It has never become more apparent and important, that we appreciate the simple luxuries of freedom we enjoy on a daily basis.

Many of the views I paint have hidden stories to tell that date back to its historical past. With Covid 19 capturing the headlines, I sincerely hope it will be a distant past and life returns to normal. In the meantime, please do look at some of my past painting and drawings and I hope they bring back good memories in what is dark times.

Please be aware, due to Covid 19 art distributions have been put on hold until further notice. Try and stay safe and thank you for your support.

How to survive lock-down?

Create a set of new routines for your week that are realistic and varied.
Also look to the future and create a game plan. May be write a mood board and list ambitions for the future. Having inspirational dreams in a time of crisis like this will help you focus on future objectives through learning new skills and researching new avenues you may never have considered.
Have a walk first thing in the morning take advantage of the governments exercise opportunity. This will give you a chance to clear your head and be more focused with your day.
Don’t forget to factor in breaks and quality time throughout the day. May be tap into your support network and check on friends and family online.
Play some music in the background that will inspire your productivity.
At the end of the day set a list of to do things for the following day. Nothing worse than waking and trying to think what shall I do next.
Stay positive and cut out negative influences or limit the time you devote to such information
Last of all bring some creativity back into your life.

Blackheath Print painting with acrylic paints.

Poetry inspired by Covid19

The creative world takes many forms from visual art, written and spoken. A dear friend of mine from Winchester University recently wrote the following poem and I’m pleased to say he’s given me permission to share it with you all. I hope it proves thought provoking and hopefully inspiring.

Day of the Absent rations.

From “Pieces from Coronavirus”

“How emptiness pervades
Be it shelves or aged stares
When speech codes fail
Base instincts shun old care
Infirm or meek
You cannot then compete
With the greedy fears
Of the Blitz-myth blind
All-armed with rolls and gels
Never a thought to concede
Pity the old lonely man
Staring at the lonely shelf
Lamenting youth’s greed
When time stops care
Everyone ignores your need.
”

— Mark Dhaliwal - March 2020

Some links that you might find helpful if your feeling depressed and anxious:

Covid19 lock-down in London