What a time we are living in. As the COVID19 virus spreads over the world and we are forced into less and less physical contact with each other, I know many artists well placed to stay put. I mean, who amongst us knows an artist without a huge stockpile of art supplies??

I’m not making light of the seriousness of the pandemic, nor do I overlook those who will suffer either from the disease, the loss of loved ones, the lack of human touch, contact and interaction, nor those who will suffer from others’ selfishness.  There will certainly be a lot more suffering before this is over. 

What can we do to stay healthy in mind as we have our movements restricted?

As a frequent social media user and firm believer in its powers of good, I see this as an opportunity to go large, explore the wider world from the confines of our homes.  So, I am sharing a list of some of my favourite online resources.

These can provide a springboard to ideas for art works, or education for yourself whether for professional development or personal interest.

State Library Victoria digitised collection

State Library Victoria image pool

Bio-Diversity Heritage Library

Audubon society  National Audubon Society is a non-profit environmental organisation dedicated to conservation. Located in the United States and incorporated in 1905, Audubon is one of the oldest of such organisations in the world and uses science, education and grassroots advocacy to advance its conservation mission. I love showing people the State Library Victoria’s copy of Audubon’s Birds of America in our World of the Book tours.

HENI Talks is a non-commercial initiative produced by HENI, an international arts services business headquartered in London, working with leading artists and estates across publishing, print-making, photography, digital publishing, film and art research and committed to supporting art education and widening public access to art.

OpenCulture brings together high-quality cultural and educational media for the worldwide lifelong learning community, a centralised and curated resource.

The Victoria & Albert Museum, London, is the world’s leading museum of art and design whose collection spans architecture, furniture, fashion, textiles, photography, sculpture, painting, jewellery, glass, ceramics, book arts, Asian art and design, theatre and performance.

The Met, New York

NGV

Rijksmuseum, The Netherlands

I’m finding I now have time to think and ponder on the question:

what sort of art do I want to make?

• Art that is a reflection of nature and how I feel about nature
• Art that has visual beauty
• Art that uplifts the viewer AND the maker

Making art has become vital to my health. When I don’t get to do it for a day or so, my anxiety noticeably increases, and there are more than enough reasons for anxiety to be high at the moment.

The simple, thoughtful, tactile act of using the materials makes me feel better, and I hope it will for you too.

AND finally, if you need some serious help to change your mood, play this up loud, stand up and MOVE!!