“For anyone feeling a bit crepe” - Check out @vickys.scribbles on Instagram
©️Victoria Llewellyn
In our last post, we discussed productivity in a pandemic and the different ways we can engage with the situation we find ourselves in. Whether we connect through spreading work and creative output, socialising or simply exercise self-exploration at this time, all are examples of the resilience of artists.
All these forms of connection are inherently creative. The industry is a difficult one to navigate in the best of times, so our ability to keep going, to look ahead and to appreciate the small wonders of the moment we are in, no matter how dark it may seem, is one we can rely on. It's something we exercise daily. So to exercise this now; to reach others with something that lifts them out of their current confines, to share our knowledge and tips on how to live a somewhat unstable life, to remind ourselves that we are all creative just by exploring ourselves, is a little way we can make a difference as artists. Every small connection is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness required to live a creative life.
We’ve listed some resources and exercises below to help with the many forms of creativity that social distancing and self-isolation can provide us with the time to explore. Hopefully, these could make this time that little bit more manageable and maybe even a little bit magical.
For those who would like some active ways to engage restfully and look inwards:
The Artist’s Journal: If you want to gently start looking at your creative practice then this is a nice way to start. using some exercises from the amazing Right To Write by Julia Cameron, we’ve enjoyed exploring our creative practice using some writing easygoing exercises. Find an old notebook you never finished or even some pieces of scrap paper and each evening get cosy with some of your favourite music and try to do one of the following using as little judgement or censorship as possible:
Integration - create a personal wishlist (at least 25 things) you wish for. They can be anything - personal, professional, emotional etc. This allows us to recognise what our subconscious drives are. Reflect on what this may mean for you.
The Private Resume - create a personal resume of things you are proud of (at least 25 things). They can be anything! Reflect on these as to what chimes with you the most, what surprises you.
The Joy List - create a list of 100 things that make you happy. Again, they can be anything. Reflect on how we can find joy in simple things.
Sef Learning - complete the following:
3 topics you read about most often?
3 topics you often think about?
Your 5 favourite books.
What do these books have in common?
Your 5 favourite movies.
What do these movies have in common?
Where do your movies and book favourites intersect?
Which of those intersecting topics feels the most urgent?
Reflect on what this may mean for your creative work.
Values exploration: This worksheet is a really gentle and illuminating exercise. One way to think about making authentic and sustainable work is to get greater clarity on your personal values.
Style discoveries: This capsule wardrobe worksheet is so fun and relaxing, exploring your personal style can not only help with making more mindful purchases but also helps us find out more about ourselves in other areas of life.
Coping Calendar: Action For Happiness created a coping calendar, a lovely way to look at approaching April.
For those looking to learn new skills or flex their creative muscles:
Papatango call out: Papatango have set aside £2000 to support 20 artists to create despite coronavirus. Pen a monologue of up to 5 minutes (2 – 4 pages) on any topic. 10 will be chosen and be paid £100, they’ll be cast and actors will self-film these for £100 each - find out more HERE.
Flux Gym Online: During the isolation period the brilliant Flux Gym has all the workshops you could ever want online! Daily challenges, yoga, play readings, writing + accent workshops, 1 on 1 monologue sessions, webinars, play club, hangouts + more. Find out more HERE.
The Worcester Rep's Playrighting Course: Worcester Rep has an online course in playwriting going live on their website. It's entirely online and self-led so that you can go at your own pace, so for those of you who were looking to develop a new skill, this might be a good start. The course is aimed at beginners and those who have never written a playscript before. See more HERE.
2020 Skillshare: Nic Connaughton of The Pleasance Theatre has created a Google form which compiles a list of those who have offered support, mentorship & skills. You can ask for help or add yourself to the list of mentors. See more HERE
CB
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