I found the painting behind the shelving until in my bedroom.
It was covered in dust, and had slipped down out of sight over a year ago now
It’s a painting of fifteen multicoloured chickens
I painted it 17 months ago now at the height of lockdown.
I think it’s important to remember the isolation of lockdown and not to forget it
My lifelong friend Nia in New South Wales messaged me with the suggestion we cooked together on zoom on day.
It was silly and frivolous and fun and sweet, and the conversation flowed easily in between the cracking of eggs and the mixing of sauces . Conversations you would have if you didn’t live alone
Conversations you could still participate in lockdown .
From cooking we evolved to painting
And the chicken field was born at the same time Nia swirled around blue abstract shapes on her canvass ten thousand six hundred miles away
This simple activity kept my head about water during lockdown , it really did
And yesterday I wrapped the duck painting in brown paper in preparation of sending it to Nia for Christmas.
She was there for me that day, with a smile and an inconsequential chatter and gossip about ordinary things and I will always be grateful to her for that.
Many gifts in this story.
ReplyDeleteCeci
Yes , and a sweetness too
DeleteI remember you posting about your zoom cooking/painting sessions. The chicken picture is so you, Nia will love it. I seem to remember her "blue" painting reminding me of Van Gogh's "Starry Night". If Nia doesn't want that picture, I know someone who'll happily accept it! 😂 xx
ReplyDeleteI’ll remember that …I may make it into a Christmas card
DeleteShe will love it! It certainly is colorful.
ReplyDeleteI hope she does
DeleteA colorful treasure found again and how delighted Nia will be! Isn't is wonderful that we can meet heart to heart aven though miles and oceans away? I remember the cooking/painting party, too. :)
ReplyDeleteHugs!
I think it’s important we don’t forget the lesions we learned through lockdown
DeleteI remember those chickens as well. I love the simplicity of them.
ReplyDeleteI think I will make it into a xmas card
DeleteHow to ruin a surprise x
ReplyDeleteShe’ll cope x
DeleteIt's fun doing art or cooking with a friend!
ReplyDeleteI loved her ingenuity
DeleteI do remember that, and the cooking together idea. I like the painting and she will be glad to have it.
ReplyDeleteI hope so
Deletesuch a sweet idea. Comes from the heart at a time when you all needed stress release. I nice way to end a year. My birthday is in November 1st. day after Halloween. ha ha keep me in mind. Suzy
ReplyDeleteI’m glad I found it
DeleteYou are so talented John and can put your hand to most things it seems - you could maybe design your own tee shirts with fabric pens x 🖍
ReplyDeleteIt looks cute but basic
DeleteThe last two years have forever changed our lives.
ReplyDeleteThey did , for good
DeleteRediscovering your artwork made a nice surprise for you. It will make a nice gift for Nia. Covid has changed us all.
ReplyDeleteYep....people who live in NSW are just lovely....especially the ones that look like Annette Benning and live on the beach in Sydney.:)
ReplyDeleteA wonderful and meaningful gift. And you are a man of many gifts yourself.
ReplyDeleteLOVE this John - can't wait to put it under the tree. It will take pride of place in my home I promise you, as your friendship does. I think it's time to plan our next on-line activity....do you still have the glue gun I sent? Get your diary out....Nia xxx
ReplyDeleteYes ready and wAiting
DeleteMy daughter and I, together with a couple of friends had weekly zoom meetings during lockdown where we took two words picked at random from the dictionary and presented something based on them. We had artwork, poems and the most hilarious PowerPoint presentation ever. They certainly brightened our lonely days and unleashed a creativity that we didn't know we had.
ReplyDelete