Coronovirus: Isolation

Cornovirus: Isolation was created during the UK pandemics first lockdown in response to the struggles and stories emerging and represented using found materials. It was raffled off in support of the NHS raising £700.

Like many, I watched the daily news on the pandemic, the rising death toll and the economic fallout with an overwhelming sense of helplessness, especially as those in the NHS put their lives on the line in the fight against the virus. The dedication and bravery shown by the nurses, doctors and support staff is surely one of the greatest things to have come out of this situation and our support for those on the frontline has never been so critical.

Along with many fellow makers and creatives, the UK’s lockdown meant I no longer had access to my workshop and I found myself looking after my two boys full-time. Unable to work or do what I love I was conscious that more than ever, we should be looking after ourselves. So before I left the workshop I gathered up a small, but essential collection of tools, and some random offcuts with the aim of being able to create from home, determined to maintain at least some access to making- a creative outlet and mental lifeline, which has been my route out of depression.

With these, and materials found on our permitted daily walks with the boys, I created Coronavirus: Isolation. Unplanned, it is a reflection of my thoughts and struggles over the weeks of lockdown as the world adapted around us to this new way of living and of using craft as a coping mechanism for what we are facing.

Coronavirus: Isolation started with an old, weathered, broken and decaying oak beam. On to this, new timber has been grafted, offering functionality, strength and direction whilst sitting in stark contrast in both colour and texture to the decay around it. A small sanctuary made of British timber offcuts is perched apparently precariously on top of the neglected old beam, signifying our state of lockdown, but also as a nod to a new and different world emerging after coronavirus; to the hope that we can rebuild our world with kindness, compassion and a sustainable mindset.

Found materials and offcuts

Dimensions: W 1060mm | H 500mm | D 200mm