The Art of Staying Home, with Laura Wickstead

Firstly how are you feeling today?

Today I'm feeling ok and optimistic. I have learned that worrying doesn't change much and can be a waste of energy. Instead, I'm trying to focus on pragmatic adjustments I can make to support my own wellbeing and help others during this time. I do have to catch myself if I find that I'm reading scary news/media articles and beginning to spiral though!

Tell us about your art and your studio.

I create abstract pieces that are studies of shapes and structures. I mainly work with acrylic paint on paper and often use chalk and pencil to create expressive backgrounds that are set against blocks of shapes or structures. My pieces are a playful way to see how shapes interact as well as examine the familial shapes of our everyday lives. I paint in my home studio that I've created as a little corner of happiness and is ever-changing with different images, books and objects of inspiration. 

Do you normally work from home?

I normally work full-time in an office but I paint part-time in the evenings at home. I am now working from home in my full-time job but also finding extra moments to paint as other distractions are no longer in the picture. It's been great to have more opportunities to lose myself in creating more art and I've been grateful to both jobs for the distraction and sense of purpose whilst staying inside. 

How has your day to day life changed since COVID-19?

My day to day life has mainly become a slower pace. I'm extremely lucky as I don't have any dependents or a job that requires me to be a key worker. I am in awe of those who are on the frontline or working to keep society running. The main changes for me has been to settle into a new routine which involves following the rules, appreciating the small things and trying to use my time staying at home wisely. 

What are you doing creatively to stay calm and mindful?

Painting more and also enjoying the creativity that comes with styling them within my home and curating the pieces online.

Do you have any creative ideas for people to do at home?

I'm a big fan of reflecting on things you already own/have and working out how to use it more creatively to work for your lifestyle. Recent examples include repurposing an empty hand wash bottle into a beautiful vase or making cuttings of plants to multiply the amount of greenery in your home. Now, with a bit of extra time on your hands, I recommend sitting in each room and letting your mind wander to its possibilities - move stuff around in your head, see how it fits, ask yourself what else could you do with the space and the objects that sit within it. It's fun, creative and free!

What do you think the world will have learned from this?

I hope the world will start to appreciate the power of supporting one another and the wider society. The health services who are working tirelessly are now the heroes of the day which has been a long time coming. It has also highlighted the strength of communities and how every single person can make small changes for the greater good. We're all in this together and I hope that mindset continues.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

A huge thank you to everyone who is out there fighting the good fight everyday. I can't offer much but if one of my paintings can raise some money for an amazing cause whilst hopefully bringing a bit of joy to someone's home - I've succeeded twice over. Thank you for the opportunity to be included!

Vase 11 by Laura Wickstead