Shortly after I celebrated a very low-key birthday, February 25th, 2020, all hell broke loose. Early in March, I recall that a cruise ship was stranded out to sea after a number of passengers were reported to be ill - it was a lot of uncertainty about the actual illness, but there were also reports that a virus had just wreaked havoc in a city in China - Wuhan. This was the beginning of the long and arduous journey of the Corona Virus/COVID-19 pandemic.
I created this visual odyssey during the dark days of this pandemic.
We were asked to stay-at-home, and only leave when it was essential - grocery shopping, medical or essential work.
We took the commitment to staying at home as a singular contribution which was filtered through our thoughts of fear of the unknown, while also recognizing that what we were seeing, hearing and learning regarding the virus, was serious, and would possibly be with us for a very long period of time. It has been over 10 months so far and we are still doing well.
We had several vacation trips planned for 2020, which we had to place on hold. We felt strongly that the COVID-19 pandemic was about to get worse, rather than better anytime soon. We were definitely not wrong.
It disrupted so much of life as we knew it - face-to-face time with colleagues, friends, family and neighbors. Our personal contact was now being transacted via text & phone conversations. We made a conscientious decision to strictly follow the recommended pandemic safety protocols – limiting our physical contact with anyone outside of our home, washing hands, using masks and sanitizer when we went out.
It was a tough decision, but a prudent one. We took a practical approach to the COVID-19 pandemic – limiting the risk by isolating, boosting our immune systems by eating healthy, getting lots of sleep, and planning for the day when we can hop back into a normal life – spending time with colleagues, friends, family and neighbors – so far, so good.
We ventured out of the house for essential/personal reasons, which was to go for a drive or a walk. We decided to visit a different city/location each week - it was a good time to avoid crowds, remain physically distanced while wearing a mask.
This visual odyssey encapsulates the images we encountered on our Sunday walks/or drive. I limited myself to capturing images that had an appeal - we happened upon several Street Art Festivals/Murals and found ourselves captivated by being able to stroll along the waterfront - it was quite exhilarating, and it helped and contributed to our sanity.
Artists from Argentina, France, the Dominican Republic, Cambodia, the Netherlands and several other countries descended on Lynn this August to unleash their art on empty walls for the second annual Beyond Walls Mural Festival. This year, the festival transformed 28 walls, an increase from last year's 15 murals.
SOURCE: Click the button/link below:
"HarborArts has been creating a stage for dialogue through public art. Transforming the 14-acre Boston Harbor Shipyard & Marina into an outdoor gallery representing local and international artists, HarborArts has brought thousands of visitors through the shipyard to explore the intersection of industry, community, and artistic expression".
SOURCE: Click the link/button below:
East Boston Memorial Park - a real gem with a great view of Boston Harbor
A stroll along the Charles River was truly a therapeutic experience – it aided the coping skills required to come to grips with the COVID-19 pandemic in a very profound way. Looking at the expansive city views and calm waters was soothing and had profound and positive impact on my mental health. I was grateful for this moment and many more just like it – during the very dark days of COVID-19 pandemic.
The magnificent Marginal Way was given as a gift to the Town of Ogunquit by Josiah Chase of York and is now a paved footpath beginning (or ending) in a corner of Oarweed Cove near the harbor, then running for 1 ¼ miles to the marvelous expanse of Ogunquit Beach.
SOURCE: Click the button/link below:
Located 20 miles west of Boston, Concord is a picturesque New England community of handsome residences, preserved open spaces, family-owned farms and thriving commercial centers.
SOURCE: Click the button/link below:
Faced with the uncertainty of new business leads and digital marketing projects in March, I decided to tap into my creative reserve for inspiration - challenging myself, exploring the creation of digital drawing.
It is truly amazing what one can accomplish when you allow your mind to focus - good things can happen.
Fully immersed in this new creative domain - I searched for the best digital drawing software solutions. I tried a few (Adobe Fresco, Autodesk and Procreate) - based on cost and top reviews, I concluded that Procreate was the best option.
The joy of creating something cannot be understated - it's powerful, overwhelming, and filled with gratification.