I have been quite busy with building masks since early March, and I find it is taking real effort for me to transition from masks only, back to my artwork, or even to a combination of masks-and-artwork. I have been proud to join so many fellow artists in contributing my time, skills, and supplies to fighting the pandemic, and narrowing the gaps in our national PPE supply. But also, building masks has been soothing to my nerves, in a way that nothing else has been, since everything changed.
I can get lost in building masks, in the same way I can get lost in quilting. There is something unique about sewing that brings me into the present moment, even when the work is frustrating (as it frequently is!). Maybe the act of sewing helps me feel connected to my ancestors. Perhaps working in tandem with thousands of other artists, with the same medium and in the same cause, helps me feel connected to the better side of humanity. And then, there is something about building a garment especially for another person, that creates a unique personal connection, as well.
Maybe connection is what it's all about. In pandemic, in this time of physical distancing and canceled events and, for me, strict self-quarantine; in times like these, it is instinctual to seek out human connection. Homo Sapiens are, after all, pack animals. We are more likely to survive when we work together. The urge to connect is, at its heart, a survival instinct. It is becoming increasingly obvious that, without realizing it, we have become dangerously instinct-injured as a pack: Technology, politics, racism, classism, sexism, hate --These things so divide us, that we are unable to stand together.
Pandemic is sharpening us up a bit. Well, most of us, anyway. For the rest; please consider that you are part of a community, and your actions directly affect others. Please wash your hands. Wear your masks. Keep your distance. And love your neighbor. Practice compassion. We can beat this virus if we all work together.
The only way forward is together. Together, or not at all.
I can get lost in building masks, in the same way I can get lost in quilting. There is something unique about sewing that brings me into the present moment, even when the work is frustrating (as it frequently is!). Maybe the act of sewing helps me feel connected to my ancestors. Perhaps working in tandem with thousands of other artists, with the same medium and in the same cause, helps me feel connected to the better side of humanity. And then, there is something about building a garment especially for another person, that creates a unique personal connection, as well.
Maybe connection is what it's all about. In pandemic, in this time of physical distancing and canceled events and, for me, strict self-quarantine; in times like these, it is instinctual to seek out human connection. Homo Sapiens are, after all, pack animals. We are more likely to survive when we work together. The urge to connect is, at its heart, a survival instinct. It is becoming increasingly obvious that, without realizing it, we have become dangerously instinct-injured as a pack: Technology, politics, racism, classism, sexism, hate --These things so divide us, that we are unable to stand together.
Pandemic is sharpening us up a bit. Well, most of us, anyway. For the rest; please consider that you are part of a community, and your actions directly affect others. Please wash your hands. Wear your masks. Keep your distance. And love your neighbor. Practice compassion. We can beat this virus if we all work together.
The only way forward is together. Together, or not at all.
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