Most people are feeling the effects of the pandemic in one way or another. For some, it brought in more work, for others it resulted in its loss.
For Bienfait artist and photographer Deanna Brown – outside of many challenges along with the loss of the main employment – self-isolation and quarantine also brought some inspiration and motivated her to try new techniques, which led to a new series of art.
“I’m working on a new series ... I don’t know how many paintings are going to be in it, but it’s something that I’m working on,” said Brown. “I always wanted to try landscape, but I like the surreal aspect of what I’m working on.”
At the time of the interview, the collection had seven finished pieces, all of which were created since the time when Brown returned home from abroad and had to self-isolate for two weeks.
“The seven pieces I did in less than a week … I just got into the studio and started painting,” recalled Brown, noting that she was working faster than her usual pace, but part of it was because of a new technique.
“It’s a new technique that I’m trying out, a little looser interpretation of the way I usually paint. I’m usually a very specific kind of painter using a lot of really small brushes. And this was a kind of a step out of my comfort zone, a new very loose technique using bigger brushes. I just wanted to play around and see if I could do it.”
Brown said she has to be motivated and inspired to create something. Capricious muses are not always there for the artist, however, once they come, Brown may stay in her studio for a long time, painting, sculpting or drawing.
“But if I’m not feeling (motivated and inspired), it’s not a great day, then I don’t,” said Brown, adding that sometimes stress is too overwhelming and then it may keep her away from creating, but in most cases, stress becomes her driving force.
“Typically, I get in an artistic zone as a way to manage stress. Quite often if I’m feeling stressed that’s when I get into my studio … When I’m painting, I don’t think about anything else, I don’t worry, I don’t step out. It’s a great way to release some of those negative emotions and thoughts and focus on what I’m doing,” said Brown.
Her days are fairly open these days. Being in the same boat as many others who were laid off, Brown uses art to cope with her stress level caused by the uncertainty of the current situation. And fortunately, her studio is well equipped with all the supplies, allowing the artist to keep working and creating more beautiful pieces.
However, Brown noted that the quarantine affected her artwork on a larger scale. People are carefully prioritizing their spending nowadays in favour of necessities, which is understandable, but it also means that her pieces may not find new owners for quite some time. Brown still put the new creations up for sale on her website and will never turn anyone away, but she doesn’t anticipate any sales until people’s life and work return to somewhat of a normal phase.
“People’s priorities obviously have shifted, they are not going to buy artwork, when they are worried about how they are going to pay bills and buy groceries,” said Brown. “Right now, it’s more about creation and managing my own stress (through art).”
The pieces created in self-isolation turned out to be filled with colour and light. Bright and gentle they often have promising hope rays of light inviting the viewers to follow and see what the future has for them.
Brown said that her favourite ones so far are Come Explore With Me and Epic Adventure 3.
“I (like) the colour choices (in those paintings). In Epic Adventure 3 I like the stone staircase and just the bright colours that used.”
More pieces can be found on Brown’s website at www.deannabrownart.com.
