Laura Parker- Illustrator
How have you remained creative during Lockdown?
During this strange time, I like many people have had endless amounts of time on their hands. It is easy to let the day roll by, so I have tried to be a little creative each day, whether generating ideas roughly in my sketchbook, or creating new final pieces. Since lockdown started, I have created 20+ new pieces which is definitely a record for me. I love spending time being totally absorbed in making and while normal life has been on pause, I have been able to do that almost completely undisturbed. Making is a form of escapism for me and I think I have needed it now, more than ever.
Has your creative practice changed during lockdown?
I have created work at home for the past couple of years, since Graduating, so that element of my practice has remained the same. I have continued to work digitally and with paper but have found myself feeling a little sentimental about other materials I have used in the past. I have recently been re-exploring Photomontage. I love how ideas generate from a photo, you are not having to start with a blank canvas, they also have their own history and stories and it is always interesting to integrate a context when collaging. I have also been eager to have a go at machine embroidery, time to dust off the sewing machine.
Has Lockdown context featured in your actual content of your work?
I think my reaction to Lockdown is to escape even more into my own imagination, being creative is a great way to process what is happening around you and it does not always need to be too literal. The natural world has been such a huge influence in my work, and these past few months has engrained this love even deeper. Our freedom outside became so limited to the point you were not allowed to sit down at a park in the middle of a city, let alone travel to wide, rural, quiet spaces. Being confined to the walls of my house has made me appreciate nature even more, I’ve opened my eyes up wider to how amazing wildlife is and how fundamental it is for our well-being as humans. My work is always trying to spread the message to show gratitude to the small things.
It could be said that Lockdown has shone a light on the importance of creativity, not only in practical, creative responses to the actual pandemic, but also the mental well-being of our communities. What are your thoughts on this matter?
If people did not realise the significance of creativity before being stuck at home everyday for 13 weeks, I think many people are beginning to realise its importance now. Underestimating the Arts is a massive issue that we face with the current Government in place. From childhood it is a way we express ourselves, a form of therapy, and way to communicate and understand the World around us. It has been proven time and time again that creativity helps our mental well-being, and it’s incredible to see that this break in routine has allowed people the time to try new things, branch out of their comfort zone and just have fun! I really hope it continues in post-lockdown life.
Do you have any advice for those people that are getting creative at home during this time?
The beauty of the Arts is there is no right and wrong way to create. The best starting point is to just start, without any worries of what the outcome may be. You do not need the best materials just simply a pen and some paper can set you on your way. Observe, look at what is around you and do something a little creative every day! Whether drawing, painting, dancing, or cooking it is guaranteed to make your day a little brighter. My Lockdown saviour has been ‘Grayson Perry’s Art Club’ on All 4, I would definitely recommend watching it if you need an extra little boost of motivation.
If you are particularly interested in collaging, I have put together some fun collage kits on my Etsy shop, suitable for beginners or people looking to stock up on some new papers.
