After ten weeks of sheltering in place, I'm experiencing the pressure of the unknown. I do humbly admit the effect of teleconferencing is beneficial. My artists’ book entitled “Finding Home” which I created in 2016 comes to mind at this key moment. I feel the need to properly nourish my sense of belonging. I dream of the day when a hug isn’t an imminent threat, and I can visit family, friends and artists studios in real time.
© 2020 Louise Levergneux. In the last month, I’ve continued working on my 20th anniversary volume of City Shields. This is a blast!
The remarkable beauty of the flowering cacti, the forever lasting sunny days and the dry heat of Arizona, is no longer nourishing my creative soul. As a nomad without being able to travel, I’m increasingly feeling trapped in the vehicle meant to liberate me.
© 2020 Louise Levergneux. A Senita Cactus in the heat of Casa Grande, Arizona.
Most of the time it’s peaceful here in Casa Grande. While I’m content to work on my recent artists’ book, creating, researching... Sitting for too long can gnaw at the imaginative mind even if busy with activities one loves.
Covid-19 has undoubtedly affected our humble lives. Artists currently possess extended periods of time to be creative, but our minds are on the uncertainty. We are trying to work and live through these hard times. Ultimately, the crisis has forced its way into our creative work.
Thomas Parker Williams from Pennsylvania has emailed me information on his recent unique artists’ book entitled Pestilence.
Thomas’ conceptual sources include mathematics, music, literature, theology, design, philosophy, astronomy, history, natural sciences, architecture, and Eastern thought.
© Thomas Parker Williams. Pestilence by Thomas Parker Williams, 12” x 24" x .875” closed.
© Thomas Parker Williams. Pestilence by Thomas Parker Williams, original drawings with dry pigments in alkyd medium, stains, ink and coloured pencil.
© Thomas Parker Williams. Page one of Pestilence by Thomas Parker Williams.
© Thomas Parker Williams. Page three of Pestilence by Thomas Parker Williams.
“Pestilence was drawn during the week of April 13-20, 2020. It is a metaphor for the worsening COVID-19 crisis and the rejection of reality by some in our country. This crisis will change life as we see it. My hope is we will be able to accept the cooperative action needed to survive it.” Thomas Parker Williams
Another artist — Guylaine Couture — who juggles with the specific ideas she wants to powerfully convey, recently completed a zine entitled “Mes indispensables, pandémie 2020”.
© 2020 Guylaine Couture. My Indispensable, Pandemic 2020, drawings and texts by Guylaine Couture. The zine is folded and cut manually; 16 pages.
© 2020 Louise Levergneux. I received an actual, physical wild pink coloured envelope in my mail box last week, inside I found a copy of “My indispensable.” This little zine brought a smile to my face.
© 2020 Louise Levergneux. Surprise! included in the envelope were a set of three small cards printed manually on recycled paper by Guylaine.
Guylaine enjoys working on subjects that challenge us like cancer, ecology, mourning or the landscape. These subjects depend upon introspection. It is critical for Guylaine to produce each book differently, that the form changes, evolves and adapts to its point of view.
© 2020 Louise Levergneux. Mes indispensables, pandémie 2020 by Guylaine Couture is a single sheet format. 2 ¾ inches x 4 ¼ inches when closed.
© 2020 Louise Levergneux. Mes indispensables, pandémie 2020 by Guylaine Couture is 2 ¾ inches x 4 ¼ inches when closed.
© 2020 Louise Levergneux. Mes indispensables, pandémie 2020 by Guylaine Couture is also available in English.
“Vivre ce moment historique est toute une aventure. Elle est différente pour chacun de nous. Pour ma part, j'ai voulu en témoigner par ce zine sur le sujet. J'y parle de mes (nouvelles) expériences et découvertes.” Guylaine Couture
“Living this historic moment is quite an adventure. It varies for each of us. For my part, I wanted to bear witness to this complex issue with a zine. I talk about my (new) experiences and discoveries.” Guylaine Couture
On another note, James G. Jenkins’ sculpture provides a theme for both intellectual and visual curiosity. Jim’s work reflects an eclectic and deep understanding of philosophy, spirituality, history, physics and other sciences, and our current societal state. “COST-O-TOM(B), You will feel a slight pressure” presages the current health crisis.
© J. Jenkins 2018. The creation of COST-O-TOM(B), You will feel a slight pressure by Jim Jenkins.
“There are several instruments normally associated with the practice of medicine or health care displayed. Combined in this way it becomes a hyper-anachronistic-allegorical-metaphysicalperplexing-conundrum.
Please note specifically there are no bodily fluids in any sort of suspension. The suspension of disbelief has been removed as well. Perhaps consider that the system has already been sucked dry, the life blood removed with nothing remaining.
A cast trooper marches steadfastly along a very short plank. Soldiering on without complaint, silent, noble but encouraged to Bite the Bullet should anything untoward happen. The .45 caliber bullet suggests this and is labelled as such.
A country in distress is symbolically displayed. The parties responsible might be discovered by examining the white paper with words provided with impact. A scalene triangulation suggesting unequal influence is fabricated with a surgical suture suggesting perhaps that we have been stitched up.
The Elephant in the Room remains in a carefully folded origami display concealing what is right in front of our face.” J. Jenkins
© J. Jenkins 2018. “COST-O-TOM(B), You will feel a slight pressure” by Jim Jenkins. Materials: Costotome, hypodermic syringe, distillation glassware, surgical tubing, surgical sutures, test tube, an American flag, sealing wax, peacock feather, gilt frame, aristocratic purple velvet fabric, a .45 caliber bullet, cast trooper, white paper with words typed, brass nameplate, stainless steel angle, flat bar, rod, discs, shredded money, and glass tubing.
Congratulations to everyoe who is being resourceful in continuing their teachings during these strange times. With many hours, to create, how is your art work progressing?