Lockdown 2020

Lockdown 2020

During the first national lockdown in 2020, my practice became necessarily local and responsive. Movement was restricted, uncertainty was widespread, and daily life narrowed to what could be experienced within walking distance of home. The following works were made within that context.

Prayer Flowers and Renewal

Two outdoor installations inspired in part by the mandala, made from woven vine tendrils gathered locally. These works were created as part of a village-wide open exhibition, where residents placed artworks in windows and gardens so that they could be viewed during the single daily walk permitted at that time.

In a period marked by fear and isolation, these pieces were my way of sending love to the world — quiet gestures placed in the landscape for others to encounter while walking.

Walking with My Shadow on a Sunny Day

A short film made during lockdown walks, reflecting on solitude, presence and the altered pace of daily life.

Waiting

Filmed during permitted exercise, this short piece lingers on a field of daisies rooted in place, their movement governed only by wind. It reflects the shared experience of restriction and pause.

Their Souls Take Flight

A series of simple drawings on paper, canvas and wood made in response to the scale of global loss. The works act as marks of respect for the many lives lost during the coronavirus pandemic.

Other Responsive Works

Walking with My Shadow on a Sunny Day

A short filmed piece reflecting the isolation and loneliness experienced by many during lockdown. The human figure appears only as shadow — a diminished presence reduced to outline and trace.

The phrase sunny day carries a dual meaning: it refers to the conditions required to cast a shadow, while also suggesting the external brightness and assumed happiness that can exist in contrast to internal experience.

Watercolour Reflection

Similar in theme to the short film above, this simple sketchbook piece is a watercolour on paper depicting a shadow reflected in water. The figure remains indirect — present only as trace — continuing the exploration of diminished presence and quiet observation.

Waiting

A short film made while walking alone through a wild meadow field filled with oxeye daisies in bloom. What struck me was both the individuality of each flower and their shared response to wind and weather — singular forms moving within the same conditions.

During lockdown, that collective movement felt resonant: each person living a separate experience, yet bound by the same restrictions and observing the same rules. The daisies, rooted yet responsive, became a quiet reflection of that shared pause.

‘Their Souls Take Flight’ is one of many simple drawings made on canvas, paper, wood and other surfaces. I am also drawing onto earlier pieces of work.

Intended as a mark of respect to those who have lost their lives to the Coronavirus.

Going forward: This project, the tragedy, the sentiment and the simplicity of ‘Their Souls take flight’ is moving me to create a much larger scale gallery piece, which I intend to work on over the coming months.