These are unprecedented times and artists are finding strength in community and creativity. In this account, we hear from Lyn Falcone. Lyn is a textile artist and educator with a studio in Peterborough, NH. Her creative practice focuses on creating one of a kind wearable art and home decor. Hear her story, in her own words:
I am a fiber/textile artist working mainly in nuno felting, which is combining wool or other animal fibers with silk fabrics to make a new fabric. I sell through my own website, www.MosaicFiberArts.com and retail shops.
On March 14, I was teaching wet felting to a fiber group, I had an month-long exhibition hung at a gallery and I had several classes, demonstrations and exhibitions scheduled. Retail sales were happening and I had a number of commissions. That all changed in the space of a few days.
From the Mosaic Fiber Arts Instagram page - #MosaicFiberArtsDoes100Days
In the early days of quarantine I found it very difficult to focus and be productive but I soon realized that I had to change expectations for myself. Covid-19 has created such hardship for so many folks, I wanted to schedule in time to help others. I am volunteering twice a week at End 68 Hours of Hunger-ConVal, an organization that combats food insecurity in school children. I have taken up a personal challenge with the online group #The100DayProject and am stitching masks and improving my embroidery skills. I am relating this at #MosaicFiberArtsDoes100Days.
Now, my networking groups and textile study group meet online rather in person, creating a new dynamic for everyone. Since I work out my own home, it's business as usual in the studio.
I find inspiration everywhere I look, even in quarantine. I may be in my garden, out for a walk in the woods, or scrolling through Instagram. I am always discovering shapes, textures and techniques that beg to be explored.
Sometimes it's difficult to find hope, but I try to remain optimistic and focus on the good outcomes we are seeing, like the kindnesses and helpfulness that so many show.
I know that whatever our new normal becomes, I'll continue to create and to work within the parameters we are given.