By Sheila Caplan
One of the first things I noticed as the pandemic began to unfold was how it affected my ability to continue doing what I have always loved to do, and done with great passion for over 40 years: making pottery in my studio. I had never imagined a time when I would not feel like doing it. As winter was ending, staying home to be safe became the prime concern; life revolved around ordering essentials and learning to navigate the online world. We had to be content with Skype visits to see our new granddaughter. Making pots felt superfluous, and with all the anxiety around Covid, my creative energy for clay simply evaporated. But then other doors began to open - Zoom brought fascinating talks and discussions from Dorshei Emet and other places as well; more time to read those interesting articles and books, and join a book club; virtual fitness classes replaced live ones; opportunities to experiment with recipes; and learning about how to plant that new vegetable garden. When the warmer weather finally arrived, I couldn't wait to get those seeds and seedlings into the earth! With the cancellation of my usual schedule of pottery and craft shows, I was able to take full advantage of the bonus free time, the first in 20 years. Like many others, my concept and perception of time has changed during these months. I feel a greater sensitivity to its passing, a heightened awareness of the cycle of the seasons, as we measure what life was like "before" and how it is evolving so rapidly from one day to the next. Perhaps this sensation is heightened for me now, as I enter a new decade. I have always appreciated having a backyard and garden, but this year it went beyond that, to being ever so thankful and grateful to have a place where we could comfortably and safely socialize, as well as be creative and productive. Knowing that we are facing a long, lonely and uncertain winter indoors, I savour every moment of it now, even as the days get shorter and the air is cooler....and when it gets too cold, the neglected studio awaits me. How will I feel going back? I can't return to "business as usual" when nothing else is the same as it was 6 months ago. But clay is such a projective medium, it is sure to reveal to me how I have changed.
2 Comments
Sima Brockstein
9/24/2020 04:58:38 am
It’s interesting and comforting to know what was always a constant nourishment for your soul and spirit (pottery), did not hold up during the first phase of the pandemic. Being involved in new and different outside activities kept you going especially as fair weather became available.
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Sheila Caplan
9/24/2020 06:47:55 am
Thanks for your thoughts Sima! G'mar hatimah tovah -
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