Lockdown

Work completed during the first lockdown in 2020…

These five vessels each represent a different aspect of lockdown, spaced five metres apart they are a physical representation of social distancing.

Isolation.

Lockdown proved to be an isolating for many, both mentally and physically.

With many kept separated from their loved ones the division was clear. WIth the two metre social distance guideline acting as an ever present reminder of the current situation. We became almost scared of one another, with the uncertainty of how this would play out, how contagious it was and what would happen it us if we became infected. It was a time of caution, a time were physical isolation became a Jesse city to slow the spread of the mystery virus.

But there was also a mental impact. Many felt they were foiling through this alone. Seeing others a start a ‘side hustle’ or get that ‘lockdown body’ left others feeling unaccomplished or unproductive. While others were felt the impact of being stuck indoors and the uncertainty and anxiety that came with the unknown.

Many found that they struggled with ‘lockdown,’ both physically and mentally. But this was a difficult time. A time we unexpectedly had to step back and sacrifice many of the things that we love most. A time where it was ok to not feel your best self.

“It didn’t take much to stop the world.”

This vessel takes on a personal phrase from my dad, one that I heard many times through lockdown.

The idea is that something we couldn’t hear, see or smell brought our everyday lives to a screeching halt. It really is a surreal thought to consider the virus in this way, but essentially this is what happened.

We all knew ‘lockdown’ was coming, we just waited for the official announcements. It wasn’t a massive surprise yet things seemed to stop overnight. One day the street looked relatively normal and the next day it was deserted. The only places open to go were grocery stores and even going there felt like a rare occasion. This was maybe one of the most unsettling aspects of lockdown, obviously everything had to stop but there was an unease created by the immense lack of people.

I remember my mum noting the lack of children, as we feared they had become some sort of ‘super-spreader,’ they seemed to have vanished into their homes, not fully understanding why or what was going on.

Something so small changed our human world entirely.

I say human world because the natural world continued. The virus stopped us but the seasons continued, many felt they had missed spring, as we sat in and looked out. Maybe the animals wondered where we were; from dolphins returning to the Italian canals, to cats and dogs wondering why their owners were home all the time. The virus stopped us completely but it didn’t stop everything.

Maybe this was a reminder hat nature would continue without us, or maybe that it would thrive without us!

Regardless, we were halted. Stopped by something that we couldn’t naturally detect. Something that many, at one point, underestimated, doubting that it ever could be that bad. I guess it really didn’t take much to stop the world.

Uncertainty.

This vessel expresses the negative emotions of lockdown. With many feeling isolated, anxious and restricted.

These overall feelings of worry and tension was heightened by a lack of understanding of the virus. This was a new situation. We didn’t know the effects of the virus, why it affected different people in different ways, how contagious it was, the best way to slow the spread, how long this would go on. With so many gaps in knowledge it was understandable that doubt crept in and filled this void.

Many also found how it was to step back. Watching others start a ‘side hustle’ or get that ‘lockdown body,’ left many feeling unproductive and worried. With the addition of job insecurities and money concerns. This proved to be a more difficult time than simply staying home.

It is important at this point to validate these feelings. It is ok at this time it have felt stress and pressure, and to not have thoroughly enjoyed lockdown. This was a time where we had to step back, and it was ok to do so.

I remember on Grayson Perry’s Art Club, Harry Hill saying that he was a work-ahold of sorts. But for him lockdown proved a relaxed break. While he was forced to step back, he admitted to finding comfort in that everyone else was stopped to. This was comforting thought. It is true, we may have struggled to step back but should find comfort that everyone else had to go though the same thing.

Lockdown has been a difficult time, and while the internet may have led us to believe that everyone was having a great time, this is not accurate. It is important to validate these emotions and realise that this time will pass and we will emerge in the side together.

The positive.

While lockdown has proved to be a difficult and challenging time it is important to recognise the good that has arose from it.

At this time human kindness has shone. Seen physically week in and week out in the UK as many showed there continued support for NHS staff as well as the donations many chose to give for that extra support. Yes, it should have sufficiently funded, but at time like these, this was a way for those sitting at home to show personal support for those ion the front lines of this pandemic.

There are many other acts of kindness taking the media by storm, adding some brightness to an otherwise dark time.

Even our connection to one another has been renewed. This shared experience has brought us together, both within families and as a wider community.

This vessel acts as a tribute to the positive, a reminder that while times tough, there was a light ahead. Human kindness shone and as we leave lockdown we have a renewed appreciation both for one and another and for nature.

Get Creative.

The final vessel of the lockdown series is inspired by his many others got involved with craft during this time. Taking on new challenges and letting their creative sides shine. As we were all in ‘lockdown’ there really was no better time.

Lockdown saw the nation get creative in a number of ways, with many kids creating rainbows and painting stone sins sign of hope. The Crafts Council shone a light directly onto craft with their Hey Clay event. And Ona wider scale, Grayson Perry brought his own art club to TV, showcasing the many ways that we were staying creative in lockdown.

These new/adjusted forms of inspiration inspired me to get my own family involved, those I was in lockdown with, giving them a go at decorating one of the vessels. Taking a group who had little to no ceramics experience and providing them with the opportunity to try out some techniques for themselves. It proved very interesting to see those who had no experience of the material take it on and try something new.

Lockdown provided some creative time for many, whether it was an adjustment for current makers to a way to keep some maids entertained or maybe something you had been wanting to try out but hadn’t had the time. Artists had to adapt, and many who hadn’t experienced the crafts before were taking them on.