Holding a schedule, remembering Tetouan & enjoying the garden!
In this interview with printmaker and painter Cathy Weiss you’ll hear how her time in Tetouan, Morocco has continued to influence her art and how she has maintained creative community. This post is part of a series of interviews with former Artists in Residence at Green Olive Arts asking how this season of social distancing and postponed cultural mobility has impacted them.
Green Olive Arts AiR Interview with Cathy Weiss
Cathy, how have you had to flex or pivot your art practice in this unprecedented season of home confinement? What are you currently working on in your studio at home?
My studio is at home, but because I’ve had to teach from home there is no separation so I’ve had to set up a schedule for myself, studio time, home time, teaching. I work best on a schedule. I’m working on a series of work that started during my residency in Tetouan. I was so inspired by the tile work, women I met and the stork nest! That stork nest became the crown that now is the power symbol in my work.
I spent last summer in Spain where I continued my research into the life of Jews and Muslims. I also started a group of women of different faiths that come together to build bridges through the arts. Our event planned for June 6th was postponed but we’ll come together on Zoom to continue the process. That’s the big change, using Zoom for teaching and staying connected with my various groups.
What does creative community and/or social sanity look like for you right now? How are you staying connected and grounded?
In one of my artist groups we are meeting every two weeks on a Zoom call, highlighting an artist studio visit. Usually we would be meeting and planning exhibits. I also Zoom call with my print group friends and recently went on my first social distance walk with a group of friends as well. Most important thing I do to stay sane is take my dogs to the dog park daily. My husband and I have planted a garden, and I have never had so many birds and nests in my yard … and a coyote came to my window the other afternoon.
Nature is keeping me grounded!
What insights about creativity in a time of crisis can you share with other artists? What have you been learning?
I think for me having a daily practice is so important even if it’s only a quick daily sketch and written journal entry.
Cathy’s website: www.cathyweissink.com … and Instagram: @cathyweiss
Click here to see other Covid19 AiR Interviews
Subscribe below, to receive notifications by email of new posts