An experimental journey of mental health preservation through artistic exploration
Pandemic Art tells the story of life during COVID-19 through non-traditional paintings and original music in three parts.
Solo exhibit at Art, etc. in Northfield Vermont, April & May 2021
Artist Statement
The COVID-19 pandemic forced me down this path of creation. Prior to this, I had no painting experience or understanding of technique – what I’ve created this year has all been through experimenting with my own self-discovered methods. My primary goal is to be as in touch with my creative side as possible, for therapeutic reasons, to help me weather this storm. I paint in my basement, while listening to music, find the best possible thing to paint on, use the least horrible brush available, dip into a can of house paint that speaks to me in the moment and start without any preconceived notions of what happens next … at least, that’s what I try to do. When I sit at the piano, I let the music in my head flow through my fingers. In both mediums, it’s all about being in the moment and not thinking about anything other than what’s inspiring me.
My guess is that many of us have been in a similar mild funk during the pandemic. It’s beyond easy to focus on the negatives because of the chaos around us. I do hope we can remember what it’s like to feel empathy and love for others and not let this swelling of hatred guide us.
For my part, I will try to listen more to those who feel marginalized. I will try to listen more to those who have differing opinions from my own. I do hope we can meet on neutral ground and see the kindness and love we each possess in our hearts and the shared desire to make this world a better place for our children.
My art is inspired by this objective.
Part I - Ode to GW
These are some of my favorite pieces that highlight my style transitions during the past year.
My music in part one is inspired by the great contemporary pianist George Winston. I was sixteen when I first heard the December album (which is actually what it was way back then). My father noticed how moved I was by Mr. Winston, bought me an old upright piano and we put it in my room. Over the next two years I learned about music and wrote some of my own as well. When I had a bad day at school or was feeling that typical teenage angst, I would listen to this
album and, like real magic, all the pain would disappear. It was the most sacred childhood experience/memory for me.
Today, more than three decades later, I find myself filled with similar mental unrest. Fears of the state of our country, fears of the pandemic and so much fear of the divisiveness in our county. So, it makes sense I’ve fallen back to a place where I can find comfort and support through my music and my art, much of which is still in its raw state. None of us are perfect. Our egos so often get in the way and prevent us from achieving our dreams. Thank you for sharing in mine.
Part II - End of Days
Part two highlights the dark part of the pandemic, the worst days. I started this piano piece when daily deaths in the US were approaching 3,000 and the political scene was almost too much to handle.
America seemed to be at a breaking point and we could do nothing to stop the slide. To make matters worse, my mother was facing her end of days alone in the hospital losing her mind and swinging on the massive up and down emotional swings that go with being bipolar. Some of my art speaks to the hardships and emotional rollercoaster so many of us were facing from COVID to the Black Lives Matter Movement to the political unrest and division in our country.
Beyond the related decline in mental health, there's record inequality, enormous debt, ineffective monetary policy, health disparities, and the American dream of equal opportunity seems untenable to the majority. We rely on technology in an often unhealthy way. Partisan bickering has intensified. We have lost the ability to be tolerant of points of view that differ from our own.
We must summon the willpower to create a more just society, which includes education, health, housing and the right to vote. Reflecting on the highest possible life condition - this is where America must spend the necessary time in order to thrive again. My artistic musings have resulted from my personal reexamining of and reflection on these aspects of the American dream.
Part III - Hope
Some days I was moved by the messages of hope being shared within my community and across our country. This music was inspired by those days. I found myself playing piano to calm my nerves and add joy to my day.
The pandemic brings a new need for connecting with people - even if only through technology. Zoom time fills many of our days. We’re all in our little boxes within bigger boxes trying to both express ourselves and achieve our work objectives. Zoom has also become our social medium and may continue to be once the pandemic is behind us. Many of these paintings are whimsical, combining childhood dreamlike buildings with images of zoom grids on a computer.
Re-emerging back into our daily routines, post pandemic, will be challenging on many levels. We need to all give each other the space to move through the awkwardness of relearning how to be with others in real-time. Understanding and patience will be critical for all of us in the days to come.
Onward we go….
Thank you!
Thanks to everyone who has supported my creative journey over the last few months, especially my wife Cindy. Her patience and love is unwavering and I am beyond grateful.
I hope everyone can find peace in the days ahead and this music and art may help you in a small but meaningful way.
Thanks to Vincent, Dennis, Lily, and Ben
Back to https://solo.to/markrosalbo
