The past 3 months were like I was living in one of Salvador Dali’s paintings. Empty roads, empty schools, empty malls, empty airports. It was surreal. It took me a while to comprehend what was going on. Who would have imagined that the whole planet would come at a standstill?
Like many, I observed the health authorities’ recommendation and complied with a self lock-down in my apartment on my own. I knew that this was going to be a challenge. At first, I thought that this was going to be only a two-week task but then it was very clear that it will take much longer than that.
Fantastic Journey
There was no single day or moment during this lockdown that I felt lonely or sad or annoyed. I created the best company I could have had. I imposed on my self the daily routine to sketch or paint anything. I discovered new media like watercolor and ink. As days went by, I’ve seen progress in my new technique and was getting good reviews on social media. I was always looking forward to my next painting, my next inspiration. I mainly painted people, from young to old. The human figure was always my favorite subject irrespective of the medium I’ll use.
There were moments where I was thinking of what I would have done should I did not paint. Would I have gone nuts? Would I be bored? Knowing me, I would have kept myself busy anyways however, the fact that I kept myself busy with my passion was a very healthy move to my sanity. I was positive all the way. COVID-19 was a blessing in disguise. It was great. I loved every day that passed by. I created so much that I had to create a new section on my website for my watercolor and ink paintings.
I was safe
My creativity kept me away from the fear that was constantly being showered on us by the media in general. I was aware of what was going on in my country and around the world but I did not let the news affect me. My art was my buffer. My art was my refuge. My art was a safe place. My art kept me sane.
Jose’ Micallef
June 2020