Finding Joy in the Midst of Uncertainty

It might seem frivolous to write a blog post about making art right now, in a world full of uncertainty and fear. I’ve wanted to say just the right things that might be uplifting or helpful, instead of just making happy talk.

But it’s not frivolous at all. We need beauty now more than ever. We need the meditative healing that creativity can provide. Drawing, painting, singing, dancing, baking bread, digging in the dirt — all are things that can save us from despair at the sadness all around us. We need to practice at least some of them every day.

I haven’t done much painting, except for a large series of birds in watercolor that I had started in preparation for an Earth Day event, which was to include a solo show at the public library. I had even ordered frames and table-top easels, because there would not be any wall hanging space. Many of these are already framed, waiting for the day when we can hold the event, which is now tentatively planned for October. I have my doubts whether that’s going to even be a possibility. So in the meantime, here is part of my bird show.

But what has brought me great joy were the flowers in early spring  . . .

And sketching in the park when the weather warmed . . .

And just like every other person in the country, I’ve baked bread.

I hope you are finding ways to create joy in your own world.