Artists Respond to the Pandemic
Barbara Chitkara After the Pandemic, 2020, pastel, 11 x 14 Largely I have been overwhelmed and depressed as a result of the social isolation. This is actually the first piece I have been able to produce. It speaks to my longing to go back to a normal life, to have coffee with friends. At the same time it captures the sadness and loneliness of living through the pandemic. While not deliberate and on an unconscious level, I have channeled Edward Hopper.
Barbara Herzfeld Although weary of lockdown, with fewer distractions this has been a productive time for me I am however, mindfull that it is a priviledge to self isolate because it means I can afford to have my own space and the neans to attend to my needs unlike most of the people on our whole planet. #thinkglobally, # stayhomeif possible, # wearamaskinpublic, Lovers, 2020, acrylic, 9 x 12 inches Black Gloves, 2020, acrylic, 11 x 15 inches
Basha Maryanska 1. Power of Endurance, 2020, Graphic art, print on acrylic board, 20 x15 2. Pandemic Response, 2020, Graphic art, print on acrylic board 20 x 16. 3. Invasion of Microstructures, 2020, Graphic art, print on acrylic board, 20 x 16 Art in Time of Pandemic I created a new series of 42 graphic Art Pieces inspired by the new situation of isolation and limitation of normal style of working and living. Here is my Individual Statement about my response as an artist to the pandemic. No man, nor woman my Art is No trends apply, Expression who knows when to come Makes its choice to be done. And flies from inside out All media available to keep my work going on. I travel inwards In time of Quarantine.
Christine Knowlton The Fog of Shattered Dreams, collage, acrylic on mirror on canvas, 24 x 36 The Fog of Shattered Dreams Christine is re-emerging as a fine artist since her start at the Art Institute of Chicago from where she became a textile designer, colorist, artisan, educator, media/ documentary producer. Alongside her new art, she also works in the healing arts as a certified Reflexologist. With this diverse experience, Christine brings an experimental and eclectic approach to her art. Mid-March, I stocked provisions to shelter-in-place also gathering new graphite pencils, sketch pads and resurrected art supplies to artistically inspire this new insular chapter. Instead, I quickly took up the call to sew face masks for first responders and others. But after a month plus sewing 500 masks, the return to creative expression pressed. There were so many angst-ridden stories swirling in my head. But instead of returning to drawing or digital art, I chose a new risky and visceral process using shattered mirrors placed over a large montage surface. Expressing lives and dreams shattered, memories hazy with glimmers of hope. Looking in and out, then and now. Nothing is static. Christine Knowlton
David Rocco 1) Lawn sign in Millwood as well as other areas in the county, 18 x x 24. 2) The US Navy Blue Angels and the US Air Force Thunderbirds Flyover NYC in honor of the First Responders who work in the Tri-state region. 18 x x 24 3) The US Navy Hospital Ship Comfort, 2020, 18 x x 24 As a freelandce photojournalist (unpaid) and a distribution driver for ExaminerMedia LLC., a Westchester County based weekly newspaper I started photographing the activities relating to the COVID Pandemic Crisis in Westchester, Putnam and the NYC region. My photos include the arrival and departure of the US Naval Hospital Ship Comfort, a join military force flyover in NYC by the US Military Blue Angels and the US Airforce Thunderbirtds, a two night bridge lighting tribute on the Tappan Zee Bridge and a large number of homemade and professionly made sign that were on display which paid tribute to healthcare workers, first responders and volunteers for their efforts during the COVID Pandemic Crisis. I have photoraphs of a nmber of signs that were place3d in front of every hospital in both Westchester and Putnam Counties.
Deborah Beck Two Butterflies, 2014, gouache , 22 x 30 Two Butterflies II, 2020, gouache, 22 x 30” With all the extra time “on my hands” I was able to finally finish the second of the two butterfly themed gouache painting which I had started previously but had not gotten a chance to finish. I am a great lover of nature with all its beauty and these paintings are expressions of this. In recent years I have been doing a lot of plein aire painting and have not been doing as much painting in the studio. I am very happy that I was able to use this situation to complete this work.
Janette Aiello Puppets in Pandemic, video stills, 2020 Frijoles Roberto Puppets in Pandemc: explaining isolation and creativity to young children, this project addresses the needs of my young studentswho may not have the emotional skills to navigate the unique and frightening era of isolation and pandemic. It has expanded to include themes of friendship, community, and civic responsibility. I have used the isolation to focus n yto to focus on studio discipline to artworks that digest all the fear and longing into productive growth. I have also created a large preseence on social media with art classes, read aloud stories, and puppetry. This helps me feel more empowered and less vulnerable—but I still wear an mask. h t t p s ://w w w .y o u t u b e .c o m /w a t c h ? v =4 U n X x G -K 8 D E
Jo-Ann Brody Mask, 2020, paper bag mache, Elmers glue, 10.5 x 6.5 x 3 Dog, 2020, papier mache, cardboard, Elmers glue, 6 x 12 x 2.5 (from materials found at home) It’s been hard, no bathroom at my studio, no schedule to fit my artmaking within, and practically no shows to prepare for. I work best under pressure so this has not been good for me. Much of the art I have done is in response to what I have to try to teach from afar. And listening to my students helps me understand other points of view, points of view that teach me about my unconscious biases. Lack of student feedback makes me operate in the dark, in a void, with different materials. And let’s not go into how hard that has been to learn new technology and new ways of communicating.
Joann Zwolski Red Bird, 2020, mixed media, 9 x 6 Yellow Bird, 2020, mixed media, 6 x 9 I took the time during the pandemic and considered it as an artist residency. I did drawings, collages and acrylic paintings. It was a good time for creative exploration, experimentation and artistic growth. The two pieces are part of a new mixed media series of birds developed during this time.
Karen Allen Desire and Growth Diptych, 2020, Acrylic (WIP), 60 x 48 Desire and Growth Miniature Diptych, 2020, Acrylic, 5 x 4 Life Chooses My Imagining My Miniature Intuitive Paintings are Pointing Me Into A Liminal Space During COVID’s Isolation and Reflection I begin with very small gestural non preconceived pieces done in acrylic, oil and sometimes monoprint collage papers. This process helps me to focus on a few that standout in a curiously coherent way. This inspires their development in larger formats.
Larry D’Amico Mom-April 25, 2020 at 5:45AM, 2020, Digital Compodite, 20 x14 Thinking up what I wanted to do for this project took more time than doing it. In this time when grief and anger are an atmospheric, free-floating presence we need to work together. Between George Floyd, personal loss and the mad pumpkin in the White House we will get through this... VOTE!
Lawrence Flood Pandemic Comfort Zone, 2020, Digital Art, 10 x 18 Pandemic Zoom Wedding, 2020, Digital Art, 9.4 x 18 The Great Pause is not without stress. I find that on a nice day sitting in my yard being mindful of my surroundings is very calming. To pass the time, I draw, read or just enjoy the view. Those moments inspired my art piece, “pandemic Comfort Zone.” Zoom has been a way to socially isolate and yet stay connected to our family, friends and community. “Pandemic Zoom Wedding”, was inspired by a true life event. Maybe you recognize the newlyweds? May they enjoy a long, happy life together.
Lesle Uribe One Heart III, Oil on Canvas, 48 x 24 One Heart II, Oil on Canvas, 48 x 24� One Heart I, Oil on Canvas, 48 x 24 Before the Storm This series bears witness to the power of the ocean, the fierce, ceaseless push and pull of the tides as it crashes against the shore. As a storm turns the waters into violent thundering swells, the ocean continues in a never-ending push and pull; a steady heartbeat during turbulent times. Like a writer sharing their thoughts, my paintings share a visual diary that reveals itself through each brushstroke.
Marcy B. Freedman Creative Masks, 2020, digital file Masterpiece Updated, 2020, digital file During the pandemic, I have found that working on art projects is the best way for me to stay sane. Art provides me - simultaneously - with a way to escape from the daily news, when I need a break, and a way to comment upon it, when I desperately need to express myself. MASKS! I have undertaken several projects intended to encourage everyone to wear a face mask during this pandemic. While many of these works employ humor to make a point, I am deadly serious about the importance of masks for all.
Natalya Khorover Speaking of Birds, 2020, stitched single-use plastic, 2020, dimensions variable “Speaking of Birds� is an outdoor installation of birds stitched and formed from single-use plastic. Viewers will note the irony in crafting birds from a material that is polluting our environment, and contributing to the deaths of thousands of birds as they become entangled in plastic bits or mistake it for food. The whimsical appearance of the birds belies the importance of the message, echoing the contradictions people encounter when weighing convenience with recycling and proper waste disposal.
Paul Jeffries Covid 19 Frisbee Practice, 140-year-old book and pencil, 12 x 8 1/2 Covid 19 American Response, 140-year-old book and pencil, 12 x 8 1/2 Found in a rummage bin for $6.00 was a 140-year old book of the collected work of Washington Irving. I have been painting portraits of Americans on each leaf of the volume that portray the anxiety and altered texture of our lives under the pandemic. Incorporating the words of this quintessential American author, I have tried to capture the American response both as individuals dealing with isolation and as part of a community trying to stay connected.
Robin Kline My Broken Heart.1, 2020, stoneware clay, 9 x 9 My Broken Heart.2, 2020, stoneware clay, 9 x 11 Still Standing, 2020, stoneware clay, 17 x 7 There has been a formless sense to these months of the pandemic, time is amorphous and sometimes directionless. Making pottery has felt different. On the one hand there will be no crafts fairs, no sales and galleries have closed and no need to crank out mugs and bowls and garlic keepers. On the other hand, it’s given me a lot of time to work in my studio exploring forms to keep engaged and focused. The pandemic has also been filled with so much sadness, personal, communal and societal, that I created several pieces with intentional cuts and breakage to fill with kintsugi. My broken heart pieces couldn’t be completely repaired, the hurt is too deep and that too is emblematic to me of personal sadness and the state of the world.
Sherry Mayo I Want To Touch You, 2020 Grocery Store, 2020 It was just one day in mid-March and then we were shut in and kept six feet a part from one another. I could no longer see my sister who was an ER nurse at a local hospital. She had many COVID patients and ended up getting COVID herself. We could no longer see friends or family. My children could not see their father who has an underlying health issue. Their grandparents were distraught at not having their regular visits. I was in Union Square about a year ago and there was a young man with a sign that said, “FREE HUGS.” Plenty of people took him up on it. I sat there watching him for about an hour and a half give over twenty hugs out to random strangers. I thought about disease but I also thought what a great random act of kindness this was. He wasn’t collecting money and he was smiling from ear to ear. I really couldn’t get a handle on his agenda, if he had one. There are no free hugs right now. Our sense of touch is so special and communicates so much of our emotions. It is the way we comfort one another through times of crisis and that vehicle of expression is being denied to us. It’s an offering we cannot offer to others. I think of our students who often have very complex and challenging situations and worry that they may have less of what they need right now and less comfort to console them.
Sonia Lee Garber Emotions are Messy, 2020, watercolors, charcoal and gel pen, 9 x 12 The pandemic has afforded me the opportunity to slow down and pay attention to my feelings. I’ve expressed them through abstract watercolors painted improvisationally. The work portrays a mixture of feelings – some bright and sunny and others dark and murky. When painful feelings are expressed a beauty emerges in which healing occurs.
Susan Obrant 2020 studies for “CoroNation� John Lewis Constant Party Ventilation Tube Strangling Covid CORONATION/ CoroNation The irony of this Pandemic is that it was visually inspiring. The Virus has perfect symmetry whereas Trump has none. We are living amidst 2 viruses trying not to be destroyed by either. Drawing helps us record and remember our days /nights when others might not (For the Arc of the Viral Universe, initiated and organized by Carla Rae Johnson April 2020)
Will Hanlon Green Apple Virus, 2020, Painted Push Pins on Gator Board When this all started, we saw images of the COVID-19 virus under a microscope and it looked rather alien and deadly. After too much of this, I decided that I could make my own virus. One that did not come from bats and could kill you. How about one that came from apples and was good for you?
This
This catalog is the compilation of artwork and statements by artist members of the Peekskill Arts Alliance in response to the challenges of the COVID 19 pandemic. Thanks to Jo-Ann Brody for putting it together. Participating Artists: Barbara Chitkara Barbara Herzfeld Basha Maryanska Christine Knowlton David Rocco Deborah Beck Janette Aiello Jo-Ann Brody Joann Zwolski Karen Allen Larry D’Amico Lawrence Flood Lesle Uribe Marcy B. Freedman Natalya Khorover Paul Jeffries Robin Kline Sherry Mayo Sonia Lee Garber Susan Obrant Will Hanlon Peekskill Arts Alliance Board Robin Kline, President Larry D’Amico, Vice President Karen Kelley, Secretary Jo-Ann Brody, Treasurer Elisa Bruno-Midili Beth DeWit Lawrencw Flood Debra Portnoy Peg Taylor