These times we live in, insight from four Salish Sea artists
contributed by: sarah j clark, conductor of coming and goings, Salish Sea Market
Here we are, in likely the most unusual time of our lives, of the world. The doors of the Salish Sea Market have been closed to the public since March 18th, although we are still working behind the scenes to promote our artists and connect with the community.
Since the market is based on community and stories, we thought this was the time to re-ignite our blog and share the stories and artists of the Salish Sea Market this way!
Each week, artists from a variety of disciplines will be chosen to answer a question. This week’s question was:
How is this unexpected isolation altering your work/work flow? Are you experiencing a shift?
Amy Baxter - Fine Art Photographer
The isolation has helped me. Given me more freedom as I’m not constrained by time. As in, my days off are not only to do art but also household chores etc. But with the isolation, I’m not having to work around a schedule and get what needs to be done done and hope for time to fit in the art before heading back to the day job. The shift is not feeling forced to be creative but the freedom to be creative in my own time. It’s been pretty terrific.
c'est moi...amy
Wendy Adams - Lampwork Glass Bead Jewelry
In light of what is going on in the world, as an artist I'm finding it difficult to focus and find my happy place "at the torch". I'm sure I'm not the only artist out there that has lost focus, but I know as time marches on I will wake up one day and feel the need to create again. Until then I hope that everyone is safe and sound.
Editor's Note: Wendy says she is working on some great new pieces for the Salish Sea Market ... we are very excited!!
Syd Giesbrecht - Woodworker
Joanne and I arrived back in Canada from our Israel/Spain trip on March 2nd. We stayed at our son's place in Alberta for a week so we could get un-jet-lagged! We arrived back here on the island on March the 10th and on the 14th found out that our flight from Frankfurt to Calgary had been Covid-19 compromised. So that started our quarantine. Two weeks later we are both just fine health-wise and not doing too bad with the isolation as both Joanne and I are OK with being away from folks for awhile. (Editor’s note: Syd and Joanne just celebrated their 49th Anniversary!)
While we were away, I was contacted by a resort on the island and asked to produce a few items for their gift shop. So once at home I began "self isolating" in my shop....:-) I subscribe to an on-line woodworking blog and they suggested that the only way to properly self isolate was to GO TO YOUR SHOP!
So other than not going out shopping or going where there are quite a few people (hiking with a group) this pandemic hasn't bothered me too much, but if this lasts too much longer I'm sure the stores and shops where my art is being sold will slow down my production and then........What will I do?
Joanne and I remain healthy but are concerned for our daughter and family who live in Spain. Their town is one of the worst hit areas. So far they are fine, so we keep praying for their safety and continued good health.
Christopher Smith - Glass Artist
With the galleries physically closed there is a space, empty space to speak into.
I’m working the garden, doing some renovation work and very slowly getting my most recent load of glass salmon into the kiln for a week long cast firing. I now have time to consider new castings, create work other than my beloved glass salmon. I’m working on a piece inspired by the work of a local potter, Sandy Harquail.
More on that later ….
There you have a little insight into the workings of four of our artists, in this most unusual time. We will continue to share our artists with you by asking them some interesting questions.
