Finding a New Passion in Quarantine
2020 was a roller-coaster year, wasn't it? For me, Orlando, it was a year of discovery. The world was on lockdown, and like many of you, I found myself with a lot of time on my hands. Those who know me will tell you that I'm not very good at sitting still, so I decided to take that opportunity to learn some new skills. My COVID-19 journey led me to the world of arts and crafts. The act of creation afforded me a quiet escape route from the relentless humdrum that was 2020.
An Affection for Acrylics
When I started my artistic endeavor, it was acrylic painting that first dragged me in. Oh, boy! Acrylic paints are indeed my favorite medium of expression. The appeal of acrylics is its versatility. You can thin acrylics out to mimic the translucence of watercolors or use them as they are to imitate the boldness and vibrancy of oil paints.
My first proper piece was a sunset landscape. I named it “Sunset over Serenity”. Probably too rhetorical, but it represented my attempt at finding peace amidst the chaos. My palate was a vibrant scene of oranges, pinks, purples, and blues. I watched myriad online tutorials to understand how to blend these colors successfully on canvas, creating a gradient feel that makes sunsets so breathtaking. Honestly, the result could have been better, but hey, remember, it was the first time!
Bringing Back Childhood with Clay Sculpting
Being all cooped up in my apartment, I was beginning to feel the weight of solitude. The never-changing feel of my apartment was making me gloomy. Then I stumbled upon clay sculpting, and it was like I had discovered a nostalgic little wonderland within the confines of my home. The comfort of molding and shaping got me hooked to clay, a classic medium that every kid loves.
I started with polymer clay, a readily available and easy to handle material. My first project was a clay gnome for my garden pot. Was it beautiful? Not so much. Did it make me happy? Absolutely! The creation process was rewarding in itself, more than the end product.
Fabric Façade – A Story in Stitches
Crafting more than just paintings and sculptures, I dove into fabric art with the same spirit. Sewing was a skill that I had always admired but never had the inclination nor the time to give a try. When a friend of mine gifted me a vintage sewing machine, the time seemed ripe to begin. I remember my first project - a patchwork quilt for my couch.
I spent countless hours choosing fabrics, cutting shapes, and combining colors. Each stitch told a story and created a lasting bond between me and my work. It became a sensory experience, touching different fabrics, listening to the rhythmic hum of the sewing machine, and the triumph of seeing finished sections coming together.
The Magic of Mosaics
On a shopping trip for acrylics, I stumbled upon a do-it-yourself mosaic kit. Intrigued, I decided to give it a shot. Starting with assembling tiny pieces to make a canvas full of vibrant patterns and images is incredibly satisfying. I began with a simple heart on a 10X10 inch frame, using various shades of pink and red glass tiles.
Fast-forward a few months, and my apartment has a dozen small and large mosaics, adorning every possible space. The shimmering light bouncing off the glass pieces brings life to my regular white walls.
Wonderful Woodcraft
A knack for dimension and depth naturally drew me towards woodwork. On weekends, fully geared up, I would work on small pieces initially. It eventually got me hooked, turning my garage into a mini workshop. A white pine birdhouse was my first project. Working with wood was different from all other mediums, and cutting and carving brought a certain rawness and purity.
An unexpected beauty - Origami
As I delved deeper into the world of arts and crafts, I discovered origami. The pure joy of transforming a simple sheet of paper into a beautiful three-dimensional model was baffling. My first completion was the classic paper crane which symbolizes hope and healing. Folding with precision, aligning each edge to the other, and finally seeing it take shape was magical.
Jewelry making - Crafting Elegance
Last but not least, I found solace in jewelry making. From conceptualizing designs, assembling parts such as beads, connectors, charms to finally seeing the end product, the process was full of discovery and enjoyment. Creating personal adornments was empowering, and each piece carried a story of its journey, making it special. My first project was a simple string of beads – an elegant statement piece.
Each craft enriched my life in an unimaginable way. My journey through the world of arts and crafts was one of self-discovery, flexibility, patience, and progression. While 2020 may be a year many of us want to forget, I will always remember it as the year that led me to my newfound passion, filled every corner of my life with colors, textures, and tranquility. Truly, art isn’t about the result, but the journey – and oh, what a beautiful journey it has been.
Write a comment