In this time of a pandemic, we can have all kinds of reactions. It's like we go through both an individual grieving process and a worldwide collective grieving process. for some strange reason, my creative juices have been flowing more than they have in a long time. This has been such a relief between the times of feeling a bit out of sorts or even panicked because of the ongoing situation. What can I learn anew with my illustration, what new techniques can I try?
Art and creativity can take us away from the stresses and scares of whatever is bothering us. It creates a sense of play and curiosity that can get lost among the stress and sometimes panic in a difficult situation. I know it has really helped me to de-stress.
In illustrating the octopus book, finding ways to create a sense of water and the movement of the octopus has been a lot of fun. Watercolor tells this story the best. In thinking about an octopus, it's body is fluid, just like water. Even if it moves on shore, it flows like water that moves over the sand and rock.
Try this:
Pick up a new creative tool, a brush like you've never used before, a woodworking tool that you've been wanting to use, a plant you've been wanting to grow. Now is the perfect time to enjoy ourselves in a new way. Live life to the fullest.