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To Isolate an Artist: How Artists are Surviving Quarantine

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 By Allani Gordon

Since national social distancing and quarantine has now become regular part of our lives, I’ve been thinking about the obstacles and challenges that the artistic community and creative economy are facing. Connie Creek, who received her master’s in painting at UMKC, gave me some insight on how she has been surviving and processing her quarantine experience.

Connie stated that “it‘s  been a bit disappointing for me as an artist in that I was scheduled to show my art—painting and sculpture— in three different shows in KC this month.” and she mentioned that “it is rare for me to live in the town where the gallery opening is, it’s a bit of a let-down to miss that connection with an audience.”

However, as Connie is featured in our Who Does She Think She Is? Virtual Art Exhibition, she is happy to see the creative community finding innovative solutions like online openings and virtual viewings of shows. Connie emphasized that “even 10 years ago this wouldn’t have happened. In these times, we have a unique opportunity to make connections through online technologies.” Which has given her a more optimistic outlook in regards to what the future will look like for artists.

Aside from Connie’s personal art career, she is also a high school art teacher at Pembroke Hill. She’s extremely proud of her students’ transition to online classes, as they have “responded to the new format with innovation and grace.”

Unfortunately, navigating the ways to teach painting and studio art online has taken away time from her personal artwork. But Creek says that any time she does have to work on her art, she has been doing it for pleasure and “to bring a smile” This includes a four-foot-tall hulk painting she did for her family. Connie has been able to transform the situation and remain positive throughout the unpredictability of it all.