Tag Archives: pandemic

Safely distanced immersive art experiences

04 Sunday Sep 2022

Posted by in Art, community, Health, therapy

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A friend and I attended the Imagine Monet immersive art exhibit in Ottawa this week.

You can too, in a city near you.

Ottawa information

We figured the $46 ticket price and “exit through the gift shop” expenses were well worth the 40 minutes we spent wandering around slowly or sitting on ornate benches while absorbing the colourful images that morphed to the accompanying soundtrack.

One of the ornate benches welcomes art lovers to sit a while
A colourful display of an old favourite painting

The late morning crowd was small, focused and polite. People respected distancing protocols. Some even kept their face masks on. There were no small children racing about or sprawled on the floor due to boredom. I would say it was more enjoyable than last year’s Van Gogh exhibit.

Art appreciation during a pandemic
The Immersive Van Gogh art experience of August 2021

I love the impressionist art style, appreciating the beautiful works created during “en plein air” outings. I had to put aside my opinions of Claude Monet after reading reports that he was an abusive husband and father. I still enjoy his work so much that I chose not to “cancel” the show.

You would have to work hard to convince me to visit an immersive exhibit for Pablo Picasso or Jackson Pollack. Forget Salvador Dali!

I leave you with a water colour rendition of the Water Lilies and Japanese bridge, something I did in late 2020 while on staycation during the first year of COVID-19. It looks okay from a distance 😀

My crude watercolour rendition of Water Lilies and Japanese bridge, December 2020 TJ

Thank you for dropping by. I hope you will find some beauty in your day.

T

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Canadian Thanksgiving 2021

10 Sunday Oct 2021

Posted by in community, Health, pets, philosophy, therapy, writing

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What is there to be thankful for eighteen months into the COVID-19 pandemic?

You have your health.

You are double vaccinated.

You have the privilege to visit restaurants, theatres and gyms – if you actually wanted to.

You have a place to call home.

You have family and close friends, still reachable on various platforms.

None of your family or friends have succumbed to the virus.

You still have a job.

You still are able to work from home.

You are less stressed because you aren’t forced to use unreliable public transportation two hours a day.

You are more productive, creative and relaxed when you aren’t forced to conform to the visual expectations of some corporate culture.

You have the freedom to get outside for walks around your neighbourhood for fresh air, to pick up provisions, and engage with community acquaintances.

You found a new network of like-minded folks, opportunities to rekindle that sense of purpose, of contributing your time, energy and skills.

You have remembered that you have the right to set boundaries with family, friends and others.

You have had plenty of time for quiet reflection on life, your values and priorities.

You have let your inner child emerge during bouts of creativity.

Basket of kittens for the Grand kids

You continue to review your list of accomplishments, and many things to look forward to.

You finally have opportunities to warm the home by using the oven and stove top to cook delicious meals.

You can still afford to buy groceries and necessities.

You can share your thoughts with others through a talk radio show this evening, using various platforms.

https://www.cbc.ca/radio/checkup/what-are-you-thankful-for-this-thanksgiving-1.6204049

Happy Thanksgiving.

Thanks for dropping by.

T

Art appreciation during a pandemic

20 Friday Aug 2021

Posted by in Art, community, Health, photography

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I ventured into crowds outside of my community willingly last week for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic.

I don’t experience wanderlust nor do I rebel against science-based protocols and restrictions on personal movement. I bite my tongue in passing judgement on others I know who have been travelling across country and borders for pleasure this summer. It has been two years since I have seen my grandchildren.

A friend and I made plans in June to aim for attending an arts event in town this summer after we got our two COVID-19 vaccinations. We had hopes for a pleasant time considering the circumstances.

We needed to experience the beauty of art during a social outing again.

A Van Gogh self-portrait painting image

The exhibit: https://vangoghottawa.com/

We navigated with her car through summer road construction to Lansdowne Park. We navigated the underground parking facilities. We respected protocols by waiting with masks on, ground level in the time slot visit queue of art lovers then followed slowly at a distance through the maze of digitized art displays and meaningful quotes that led to the immersive experience.

Boats on water at night – Beyond Van Gogh exhibit in Ottawa, ON

The venue was warm with very little air flow. In general, the immersive experience was entertaining and enjoyable. All the while though, the risks associated with the pandemic were on my mind. Even the beautiful images of Vincent’s Starry Night and floral arrangements struggled to calm my concerns.

Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night painting image in a digital display
Van Gogh Irises and Sunflowers

After 45 minutes of that, I made sure to purchase a souvenir at the boutique on the way out, an over-priced notebook with reprint images of his popular paintings.

Lunch out was a challenge with filling out the electronic contact tracing form before being allowed into the restaurant. Management made safe distancing arrangements for diners. It seems that trendy restaurants are still playing background music way too loud for my preference in enjoying a conversation. Half-way through my salad, I declined the offer of dessert. I just wanted to go home.

There are other art gallery and museum exhibits I want to see this summer. My desire is dampened by reports about the COVID-19 variants spreading about.

I am okay with delaying the satisfaction of my selfish desires for a little while longer, and finding safer alternatives.

I would rather be deprived than dead.

Thanks for dropping by.

T