Our restrictions, unless you are an essential worker, are pretty strict. We can go grocery shopping and out for a walk – in our neighborhood. That’s about it. Most stores (including hardware and home depot type stores) are all closed.

Last time around there were so many unknowns. What was this pandemic thing anyway? I resorted to doing puzzles and a small drawing each day to keep my sanity.

This time it is still stressful but not nearly as bad as last year. We know what to expect. And I’ve had my first jab. So that provides a bit more of a sense of comfort.

I also know one reason things aren’t so challenging this time is I’ve spent the last 2-3 months working on getting my habits back in place.

I wrote a blog post about this over on makebigart.com: Why I was struggling to get things done – I needed new Triggers and Habits. I can’t overstate just how much of a difference this has made. I’m back in the habit of getting things done!

2021 Lockdown – What I’m doing differently

First – I’m watching and listening to much less news. Doom scrolling. Yeah – I don’t need that.

And I’m setting an intention daily to eat healthy. Planning out what I will eat that day and sticking too it. With kiwi guy at home all the time I’m in the kitchen more and it can be way too easy to grab a snack. So far – 8 days in – I have stuck to it. I’ve even managed to lose a couple of the 5 lockdown pounds I gained last year. Interesting that it took another lockdown for me to think about putting in this effort.

It really helps that this time we didn’t go out and buy a bunch of junk food before lockdown started so we have only healthy options in the kitchen.

I’m also working out a couple times a day as both my gym and yoga studio are running online classes. I didn’t have a gym and was taking a break from yoga last year. This year the exercise is absolutely essential. I’m incredibly grateful for the work the instructors are doing for us.

I am not doing a specific lockdown art project a I was already doing the 31 day creative challenge. Many days it is the first thing I do and I’m really enjoying it.

I am still focusing on making new artwork for the Auckland Art show – although it has been postponed and will now be in November and not September. I’m not yet sure if I will be able to attend in person but I do hope to have artwork at the show.

I’m trying to work through some conflicting plans I have to see what is possible. I have booked in to hike the Milford track the weekend of the Auckland Art show and changing those dates is nearly impossible as the entire season sold out in 15 minutes when they opened bookings a few months ago.

Staying Inspired

A big part of being an artist is being inspired by the world. The age old “where do you get your ideas from” question. I wrote about this in my last studio newsletter – if you aren’t subscribed you can sign up here so you don’t miss an issue.

In short the answer is I get ideas by being out in the world. When in lockdown that is hard to do. So I’m purposely looking for ways to be inspired during this lockdown.

I love watching dance. The movement and costumes and stories.

Happily I received an email from Black Grace as lockdown started with a link to their One Minute Wonders and I’m watching 1 a day. I’ve only got a few left and then it’ll be time to hunt down some more dance.

I’m also spending some time looking over some of my older inspiration photos. If the lockdown goes on much longer I might even get some more recent hiking photos sorted out and organized.

But not quite yet because the end of August is a busy time for me. One session of Create a Body of Work comes to an end and another starts. There are still a few spaces in the next session so if any of you are artists and you’d like to spend next year finding your voice and building Your Unique Body of Work please join us!

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