Million Dollar JPEGs

HOW TO STAY SANE DURING QUARANTINE HOW TO STAY SANE DURING QUARANTINE

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone in different ways, turning daily routines upside down. Below are some ways to mitigate the negative effects that can accompany isolation and a change in routine. We think these are good enough to practice when things return to some realm of normalcy, too.

TAKE PART IN VIRTUAL HANGOUTS WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

Maintaining connections might be more important now than ever before. With a myriad of methods available to virtually connect with others you certainly don’t have to go this alone. You can still have that Friday happy hour - now it’s just done from the comfort in your home. Bonus - who says you can’t wear sweatpants?

PRACTICE MEDITATION OR YOGA.

Times are stressful, this can take a toll on our mental and physical health. Meditation and yoga are two excellent ways to relieve stress and center yourself. Doing so regularly can lower blood pressure, improve sleep and general well-being. There are a bevy of apps available for download if you need some help. time and create a new sense of normalcy. As workplaces encroach on personal space, it’s important to separate the two.

FIND A HEALTHY ESCAPE. We all

need them, whether they are Netflix binges, creative pursuits, or starting a new hobby. Finding a healthy escape is like taking your brain on a small vacation. Always wanted to learn how to bake? Knit? Start a garden? Read that series of books that you bought a year ago and haven’t touched (no judgment)? Now is the time to dive in.

WORDS + DESIGN KATINA CORCORAN

GET ORGANIZED. Has there ever

been a more opportune time to go through that pile of clothes in your closet, or that trunk of stuff hanging out in your garage? I thought not. Take advantage of the time at home to thoroughly sort and organize belongings. Whatever you purge, see if it can be repurposed or recycled — check out local second hand businesses or shelters, and ask if they are in need of donations.

ESTABLISH AND KEEP A ROUTINE.

In a world where days seem to blend together, it’s important to establish and keep up a routine to separate you’ve never really been a fan of it before, but getting your blood pumping comes with a bevy of benefits that can help combat the melancholy of the world.

JOURNAL. This falls in line with mindfulness. Take 5-15 minutes a day to express your thoughts and feelings in writing. This can be a release you can reflecton later, and bring more self-awareness to your life. You can purchase journals that have prompts if you need a nudge to get going.

CREATE. We all have a creative side, whether we believe it or not. The act of creating something can be more than just productive and purposeful. Pick something that interests you and give it a whirl. Don’t limit yourself to traditional creative pursuits such as painting or drawing - pick up an instrument, write, cook, sculpt! The possibilities are endless, as are the Youtube tutorials.

GET OUTSIDE AS OFTEN AS

POSSIBLE. Weather permitting, try to leave the house at least once a day. Even a brisk 15 minute walk can do wonders. Go for a stroll through your favorite neighborhood or visit a park. For longer seasonal pursuits, try engaging in your favorite outdoor activity such as hiking, biking, or fishing. A change of scenery does a body good.

EXERCISE. We’ve all heard that when you exercise, your body releases endorphins that make us feel happier. Perhaps you used to exercise regularly and stopped, or REACH OUT FOR HELP

IF YOU NEED IT. We are essentially living in the worst public health crisis of our time. With the shift to virtual services, enlisting the help of a counselor or therapist is now more accessible than ever. The current crisis has taken its toll on mental health but there are many resources available to help now just a click away. If you or someone you know needs help, it’s time to be proactive.

It’s important to remember that there is no magic formula to ease tension, depression, or anxiety. Everyone copes differently, and may respond differently to these ideas. In a time where we might feel powerless, what we can do as individuals is try to engage in activities that are feasible within our own situations. What appeals to you? Give it a go!

York York

WORDS+DESIGN SCOTT STURGIS

AND THE INTERSECTION OF DIGITAL & TRADITIONAL ART

This is what we are calling guerrilla public art, but it was a pleasant surprise

—Adena Long Director of Portland’s Parks Bureau

This story begins in the year 1804 when the Lewis and Clark “Corps of Discovery” set out from Missouri on their now-famous expedition to find a land route to the west. William Clark would bring a man named York on the expedition, a man he owned as a slave. When historians in the 20th century re-examined the expedition they found that York was a vital part of the team, relied upon to do much of the hunting, cooking, and medical treatment. York was also revered by the many indigenous tribes that they met along the way, and he played a big role in negotiating with these people. In 1806, upon the group’s return to the east and after a successful expedition, Clark refused to grant York his freedom, according to Peter Kastor, a historian at Washington University in St. Louis, and the author of a book about Clark’s exploration. Now fast forward to October 2020. While the Covid-19 virus was raging out of control in America, the deaths of African Americans Breonna Taylor on March 13th and George Floyd on May 25th, both at the hands of white policemen, sparked nationwide protests against the systemic and institutionalized racism still shamefully prevalent in the nation’s police force and in our society as a whole.

Following months of massive demonstrations, groups of protesters all across the country began to tear down statues and monuments that depicted confederate leaders and other prominent figures who were known to oppose racial equality in our nation’s history. In Portland, Oregon, demonstrators knocked down many statues; among them was a bronze statue of Harvey Scott, who was an editor of the Oregonian newspaper in the 19th century and a known conservative who, among other things, opposed the women’s suffrage movement. The statue was originally installed in 1933 and was removed from its pedestal at Mount Tabor Park in October. A few months later in mid-February 2021, park officials discovered a four foot tall sculpture of a head that had been mysteriously installed overnight in place of the Scott monument. The new sculpture was a bust of York, the only black member of the 1804 Lewis and Clark expedition, and the first African American to cross North America to the Pacific Coast.

City officials in Portland have concluded that the bust of York was made out of hard plastic and was created by guerrilla public artists with the use of a 3D printer. They also decided to let it remain, for the time being, saying that it should help to remind the public of the many contributions that black, brown, indigenous, and other people of color have made to this country, without receiving the recognition or credit they deserve. Much of the public in Portland has embraced the York statue and see it as a positive contribution to public art in the city, even if it is crafted from plastic and not traditional bronze. When comparing traditional bronze sculpture to something made with a 3D printer, it seems that they are worlds apart in terms of history, process and quality. Traditional bronze work has been practiced for 5,000 years, involving a very time “labor-intensive” and expensive process, a skill that takes years to master. While 3D printing technology has been around for about 40 years, only in the last decade or so has the technology been readily available for public use.

The sculpture of York is an example of how, in today’s technologically advanced climate, someone with a good idea doesn’t necessarily have to be classically trained to create a significant piece of art that can have a very similar level of impact. This is just one instance of the intersection of digital and traditional art blurring the lines of society’s preconceived notion of how art should be created. It is good to see that in this story, the unknown artist created something that is bringing people together to talk about an important man in the story of our country. York, and so many other persons of color, have been contributing to this country in countless ways from the beginning and need to be celebrated for it. Whether you are more interested in traditional art or digital art, in this case, it seems that the sculpture of York has us talking, having an effect on people, which I think is what art is supposed to do.

These kids and their fancy gadgets!