Lockdown Series I (2020)

During the Covid-19 lockdowns I explored the potential for painting to be both personal in its expression, and firmly rooted in the world and responsive to our experiences of it.

We have experienced a simultaneous heightening of connections and isolation, and in this on-going moment of crisis there has been a new open-mindedness and receptiveness to talking about mental health. I have listened out for positive messages that strive to bring us together in solidarity and spirit, such as ‘we’re all in this together’ and ‘playing all the tunes to keep us going’; and the works I have made during this time have been in direct response to positive messages that I have come across.

Playing All The Tunes To Keep Us Going

Playing All The Tunes To Keep Us Going (1 of 3) by JCM (March 2020), Acrylic on paper, 38x28cm
Playing All The Tunes To Keep Us Going (2 of 3) by JCM (March 2020), Acrylic on paper, 38x28cm
Playing All The Tunes To Keep Us Going (3 of 3) by JCM (March 2020), Acrylic on paper, 38x28cm

‘Playing All The Tunes to Keep Us Going‘: Greg James speaking on BBC R1 19/03/2020.

Really Wish

Really Wish (1 of 2) by JCM (April 2020), Acrylic on paper, 38x28cm
Really Wish (2 of 2) by JCM (April 2020), Acrylic on paper, 38x28cm

‘Really Wish I could show you these in person, and you could touch them. Take care of your loved ones and yourselves x‘ Instagram post by artist @hanamiletic on 10/04/2020.

Here Comes The Sun

Here Comes The Sun by JCM (2020), Acrylic on paper, 38x28cm

In April, My children’s primary school’s remote staff choir performed Here Comes the Sun by video link for home schoolers during lockdown.

Don’t Be So Hard On Yourselves

Don’t Be So Hard On Yourselves (1 of 2) by JCM (April 2020), Acrylic on paper, 38x28cm
Don’t Be So Hard On Yourselves (2 of 2) by JCM (April 2020), Acrylic on paper, 38x28cm

‘Don’t be so hard on yourselves‘: Clara Amfo speaking on BBC R1 11.51am 15/04/20.

Lockdown Days

Lockdown Days by JCM (June 2020), Acrylic on paper, 38x28cm

It’s All Gonna Be OK

It’s All Gonna Be OK by JCM (June 2020), Acrylic on paper, 38x28cm

‘It’s all gonna be OK‘: Clara Amfo speaking on BBC R1 12.07am 07/04/20.

Send Good News

Send Good News by JCM (June 2020), Acrylic on paper, 38x28cm

‘Send good news‘: Clara Amfo speaking on BBC R1 07/04/20.

In This Together

In This Together by JCM (June 2020), Acrylic on paper, 38x28cm

‘In This Together‘: @crisis_uk instagram post on 07/04/20 – “People who are homeless are being hit hard by the corona virus. Crisis is delivering emergency packages of food, tissues and hand sanitisers. We’re providing mobiles and we’re keeping our services running to ensure no-one is left isolated and in danger. Please help by donating £25 today.”

Instagram post image shows a woman sat on the ground in a coat and hat and the words:

IN THIS TOGETHER

HOMELESSNESS EMERGENCY FUND

@oxfamgb Covid-19 appeal on Instagram: “Now more than ever, we can save lives and give hope in the poorest communities. We’re in this together”.