One week down. Giving Up?

Warning! This post is a stream of consciousness... Read at your own risk! :D

I want to start by saying that I know its a global issue and the problems I will raise are very insignificant in the grand scheme of things. I would hope this to be more of a useful tool for anyone that is going into design, theatre or any practical course. This should be something that is read and take with a pinch of salt, but also serves as a way of expressing my experience in these rather trying times.

Now I have said that, I can actually get into what I wanted to say, and hopefully not come across in a negative light.

University has now been closed for a week and this has put a tremendous amount of stress on my shoulders.

With one week off from University, I am starting to lose sight of my final project. Whilst I was in the department and in the learning environment, I was able to see where I was going. Even when my plans would change, I could see why and how. But now I am at home, everything has shifted a bit too much.

I was aiming to put on an exhibition with my course mate and good friend Eirlys (her website link will be at the end of this post). The exhibition, on my end, would be a collection of miniature outfits, made for 11.5inch dolls. These outfits would span many different periods/styles, but all be for one character.

Not only is there the issue of not being able to get to the equiptment I need to make these miniature outfits, but I also can not access the reading.

Again I want to reiterate this is not a moan, it's just an expression of my emotions and experiences.

One thing the University has put in place so our learning is not completely ruined, is the online platforms or video conference. We have had a total of 3 sessions now where we have explored certain things over webcam. This obviously has its limitations. We have not had any opportunity to perform, practice or explore any of the material in an active way, instead it has been done through discussions. This is of course better than nothing but a few of us seem deflated or as though we have talked everything out as much as possible.

Dont worry guys, there is an up-swing!

This has lit a fire under me a little bit. I do not want to lose sight of the end goal, I do not want to have wasted this time.

So I am going to continue with my book recommendations, blog posts, designs and I shall put more effort into my presence as an artist. In these times of isolation or distancing, there is no need to feel like giving up. I personally need to keep going, keep trying and keep aiming for something else.

I spoke to a friend the other day who said they were sat at home, doing nothing but watching tv and going to sleep. I told her that this is not what isolation means, its a time to reflect and spend more time on ourselves, making our selves better, healthier, more focused.

Not to sound preachy but we are all going through the same thing and one thing that this new problem has taught me is, isolation is time and time means practice.

Anyway, I guess this was just a way for me to tell myself to try harder. I am only publishing this incase others need a push too.

Stay Curious!

Eirlys' website : https://www.eirlyswiggett.com/