The COVID-19 pandemic has changed modern life as we know it. Self-Isolation and social distancing has been a sudden and prolonged experience in this halted new way of life. We caught up with Artist’s from around the world to hear how they’ve been coping and how they stay positive.
Name: Estere Anastasija
City: Berlin
Contact: @st.estere @saint.estere, www.saintestere.com coming soon
How are you spending your days?
Mostly watching cartoons and painting. I also managed to pick up a Latvian book from the library the day before it got shut down so I’ve been learning a lot from first hand recounts about Latvian refugees fleeing the German and Russian armies to Sweden over the ocean. Put a lot of things in perspective and helped me reconnect somehow with the country I was born in but couldn’t really relate to. Learning about both peoples greed and selflessness, and starting to understand my grandpa and why it is so hard for him to leave his country behind.
I think it would be a lie to say that I’ve been more productive though, I guess the only thing that’s different is that I rediscovered how nice fresh air is and the beautiful nature in my neighborhood since I’ve been going on those typical quarantine walks.
What inspires you?
I’d say the media I consume is what inspires me the most. Anything visual. I mean I spend a lot of my time on the internet so I guess I’m bound to be influenced by all this content. Especially cartoons, I looove them. It’s like being transported into a completely surreal universe but somehow everything makes sense in its context, no matter how whacky the themes and visuals. And there’s some crazy visual art in a lot of them, it’s like watching a live drawing, which I guess that’s what they essentially are. I just love how the possibilities are limitless in animation.
How important is your living space to you? How does it reflect who you are?
My living space is very important to me. It’s my little world. Pretty much the only place where I can focus and gather my thoughts. A “sanctuary” if you will. I can’t say how but I feel like the longer I live in a place the more it reflects me. My current room is one that I’ve had the most control over ever and I’d say it’s a pretty accurate description of my brain. Which I guess makes sense.. But yeah I cant really explain why.
What makes you happy?
When I get immersed in a really good piece of art. Be it film or music or anything else. But reaaaally immersed, to the point where I forget where I am. Feels like some kinda travel.
What is something that keeps you grounded during this time?
I’m not exactly overwhelmed with the situation. I mean sure things are all weird but I don’t feel panicked in any way so I guess I already am grounded? I don’t know, it feels as if everything became quite normal to me pretty quickly. I’d say I’m pretty used to big changes in my environment.
What do you miss the most?
I miss socializing the most. Although we have been getting immersed in the virtual world a lot more these days and just beginning to uncover its full potential, which I think is great. I think we should know more about the world inside our screens.
What is the first thing you’ll do when this is over?
Enjoy what’s left of the summer with my friends. And once the travel ban is over I’d love to visit my family in Latvia.
Pick one (or multiple) Favourite Book, Album, Film or TV series?
Midnight Gospel, best show ever.
How are you spending your days?
I make sure I have used my hour of daily exercise wisely, usually on a bike ride or a walk round the fields. I am very lucky to live in the countryside. I also make sure I sing everyday, after all it is my job, it makes me feel good and it is good to stay in routine. I have recently found I like cooking! I am vegan and sugar free so that keeps me busy.
What inspires you?
I keep seeing lots of performances online which keeps me inspired and driven to be better and as ready as I can to go out into the industry again.
I think daily exercise is great for mental health. I enjoy meditating too so both come hand in hand.
How important is your living space to you? How does it reflect who you are?
I am currently at home with my family which is both wonderful and challenging but I am so so grateful to have a safe haven, somewhere to come back too.
My life is usually so busy that coming home gives me a chance to recharge and re-connect.
As I say, You’re not stuck at home, you are safe at home.
What makes you happy?
Sunshine, music, family, food, sleep and my dogs 🙂
What is something that keeps you grounded during this time?
Meditation, starting each day with a clear mind. Finding something to be grateful for each day.
Sleep hypnosis to clear my mind for a good nights sleep.
Practice!!! You can never be too good so I am constantly grafting.
What do you miss the most?
The show I was on, my cast mates, being on stage, entertaining people.
What is the first thing you’ll do when this is over?
Catch up with friends in person!!!
Pick one (or multiple) Favourite Book, Album, Film or TV series?
I love love love Tank and the Bangas!! She is always playing!
Her vocals and spoken word are insane and so inspiring!
Killing Eve, Sex Education, Money Heist and The Stranger.
How are you spending your days?
We are spending our time working on plant and photo projects, becoming mediocre chefs, washing our hands, and playing way too much Animal Crossing.
What inspires you?
N_ The work of friends, street fashion, and a constant urge to tidy things up.
C_ Horticulture, other people’s emotions, and experimental music.
How important is your living space to you? How does it reflect who you are?
N_ Extremely, it’s a crossroads of collecting and minimalism. To satisfy my needs for order and pretty things.
C_ Too important, I’ve turned my house into a jungle with over 100 house plants over my floors, walls, and growing oh my ceiling. It’s where I can be in nature and away from humans.
What makes you happy?
N_ Loved ones, film cameras, wide leg pants, and charcuterie.
C_ Plants, video games, rain, being dumb and funny, being close with someone.
What is something that keeps you both grounded during this time?
Doing things together, using government money to buy camera gear, and a little bit of red wine.
What do you miss the most?
N_ I miss walking to work everyday, spending time with friends, riding the brown line trains, and spending time at the lake.
C_ Petting people’s dogs, working at my coffee shop, and going out with friends (not bars, parks).
What is the first thing you’ll do when this is over?
N_ Reschedule a trip to Toronto and book some fashion shoots.
C_ Go to Garfield Park Conservatory with my Pentax 67.
Pick one (or multiple) Favourite Book, Album, Film or TV series?
N_ Great British Bake-Off.
C_ Book: The Road by Cormac McCarthy or Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn.
Films: Perfect Sense (a must watch during this), Show: Sharp Objects or Dark.
Although Sweden hasn’t mandated self-isolation, only asking the public to take voluntary collective responsibility in preventing the spread of COVID-19, have you noticed a change in the way people interact with each other on a daily basis?
Swedes tend to be rather rule abiding so they have been following the recommended guidelines for the most part. The streets are much less busy than usual at this time of year, and the communal transport is down 50% as people who are able to, are working from home. I’ve noticed people are less likely to bump into each other, acting in a much more conscious manner of how much space they are taking up.
You are a teacher. Has there been any modifications in the school system to implement social distancing amongst the students?
All of our large gatherings have been cancelled, such as assemblies and ceremonies. For a period of time the class schedules were also reduced, with older year grades attending in the mornings and the younger ones in the afternoon. We expect to be back on a full schedule this week, but this can change anytime at short notice depending on the public health circumstances.
Does day-to-day life feel relatively normal or are you seeing the effects of Coronavirus?
We are definitely acting more normal than other countries from what I have read, seen on the news and from what friends and family around the world have been telling me about their daily lives, but we are limiting our social interaction with family and friends to almost none which is very different for us. We are used to entertaining very often.
What is something that keeps you grounded during this time?
My husband and my baby of course. I’m not a hysterical or paranoid person typically, especially when I’m not pregnant. I have several female friends that are pregnant for the first time during this pandemic and I can imagine their fear and anxiety that comes with an inaugural pregnancy. It’s my second time around so I’m not as stressed about it all, albeit sometimes I’m still a bit dramatic. Probably just the hormones…lol
What inspires you?
Beauty. There is beauty all around us, we just have to stop and refocus our perception to find it.
How important is your living space to you? How does it reflect who you are?
Extremely important. I’m a very aesthetically focused person. As my previous question response would indicate. I like to think everything I create or surround myself with is a reflection of who I am, including my food, my crafts, my fashion choices, my home decor, and even my travel choices to name a few.
What makes you happy?
Creating things and helping others create things.
Pick one (or multiple) Favourite Book, Album, Film or TV series?
My favourite film is American Psycho.
How are you spending your days?
I moved to a new apartment on April 1st so I’ve spent a lot of my days unpacking and re arranging my furniture. I think I’ve switched up my living room and bedroom around ten times.
I’m also trying to learn how to cook and bake.
What inspires you?
I’ve started re watching Sex and the City and I feel inspired from all the amazing fashion. Patricia Field is so talented! (Costume designer for the show)
I recently got this app called Gaia and it has a lot of positive/learning documentaries on it. There’s also yoga and meditation that you can watch or listen to. I feel inspired to focus on my growth and heal in ways I haven’t given myself time for.
How important is your living space to you? How does it reflect who you are?
My living space is so important to me. I like having my apartment clean and organized. I feel the most sane and calm when everything is in its place and not disorganized. I enjoy making my bed every morning so when it’s time to get ready for sleep, it’s cozy to get into. When my friends come over to my apartment, they tell me that the energy feels positive and welcoming. It is so important to have my apartment be a safe space for my family and friends. My home is their home. This reflects who I am. I’m organized, positive and always like to make people feel welcomed.
What is something that keeps you grounded during this time?
I like to meditate in the mornings after I wake up and I’m trying to get back into the routine of writing in my journal. I’m an over thinker, so it feels good to clear my mind. I’m practicing gratitude by taking the time to notice and reflect upon the things I have during all of this. Talking to my parents really helps me stay grounded as well.
What is the first thing you’ll do when this is over?
See my parents and friends!! I can’t wait to hug all of them.
Pick one (or multiple) Favourite Book, Album, Film or TV series?
Film: Parasite (Bong Joon Ho, director) and Burning (Chang- dong Lee, director)
Name: Tasneem
City: Los Angeles, California originally from East Orange, New Jersey
Contact: @hoodratfeminist
How are you spending your days?
It varies from day to day. I recently started a virtual women’s only club, so I’ve had to do work for that, getting contacts, sending emails, and crafting ideas! I spend some days writing for my podcast and reading as much as I can. I’ve even had days where I’ll just binge watch tv and watch movies all day. I’ve also been talking to my loved ones on the phone, much more than usual.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by love and things that make me feel good. If my heart isn’t in it, I’m not inspired.
How important is your living space to you? How does it reflect who you are?
My living space is VERY important to me. My partner and I have filled our home with things we love. We have posters of our favorite Black classic movies. We have a home filled with books. We make sure our home smells good. We try our best to keep things clean (laundry gets backed up from time to time, but we try our best). If home isn’t happy, neither am I.
What makes you happy?
Laughing with my friends and family makes me happy. Eating a delicious meal makes me happy. Doing what I WANT to do, makes me happy. I’m still learning what makes me happy, but those are some things I know.
What is something that keeps you grounded during this time?
Waking up every morning keeps me grounded. Each day I am alive and well, I’m thankful. So many people are experiencing things I couldn’t even imagine during this time. My gratitude and prayers are keeping me grounded. Also, talking to my mother everyday!
What do you miss the most?
I miss going out to eat and going to the beach, that is what I love most about living in LA, so it’s hard to make peace with being so far away from my family in Georgia, when I can’t enjoy those things.
What is the first thing you’ll do when this is over?
When this is over, I’m going to sit down at an awesome restaurant and tip my server graciously!
Pick one (or multiple) Favourite Book, Album, Film or TV series?
Favorite Book – Coldest Winter Ever- Sister Souljah & In Search of our Mothers’ Gardens- Alice Walker
Movie – Love & Basketball
Album – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
TV Series – Moesha & The Affair
“Isolation Stories”
Photographed virtually by Alexandra Votsis @alexandravotsis
Interviewed by Marie Powell @mariepowwow
