During the Coronavirus pandemic, Art Spiel is reaching out to artists to learn how they are coping.
Holding up the Umbrella, 2019
Kelin Perry is an artist and architect in Atlanta, Georgia. She uses mostly found objects in her art, seeking to give voice and meaning to the unseen and discarded. Kelin’s work has been shown at Hathaway Contemporary and Lowe Gallery in Atlanta. She is represented by M. David & Co. in Brooklyn, where she has been part of several shows.
AS: How are you coping?
KP: As I don’t actually go to the office now, I sorely miss having one-on-one interactions with co-workers and clients and spending evenings with friends. Life now is home-oriented. I live in a big loft for which I am so grateful, but frankly I have to fight feelings of isolation. My cat is a wonderful living, heart-beating creature to have with me. The loft is in an industrial area and there are trains that go by right outside all the time. They are strangely good company, evidence that the world is carrying on in some way.
Satellite, 2020
AS: Has your routine changed?
KP: I’m happy to have some architectural work I can do at home and have developed a loose routine of doing that work in the morning. I walk outside for exercise whenever the weather allows, and spend time talking/Zooming with friends and family. I wither quickly if I don’t have some kind of interaction with humans and nature every day. The late afternoons and evenings are for art, and I’ve even been cooking for the first time in years. The art is going better than the cooking.
Two Houses, 2020
AS: Can you describe some of your feelings about all this?
KP: Isolation, worry and sadness. I’m undone by the lack of action by our President and frightened by the loss of life. But I’m also heartened by the tireless efforts of our healthcare workers and the brilliant gifts of humanity I’ve witnessed. This is an opportunity to find some silence in our souls, to take stock of who we are and how we fit into this universe. I’m hoping when we will come to the end of this, we will be moved to create a better, more thoughtful world with regard to the environment and how we treat each other.
Bird with Snake Skin, 2019
AS: What matters most right now?
KP: Staying healthy physically and mentally. Supporting and garnering support from my wonderful circle of loving family and friends. Also working on, and keeping sight of how fortunate I am.
Ola in Flight, 2019
AS: Any thoughts about the road ahead?
KP: We don’t know what our future will be after all this. So I’m just thankful everyone I know is healthy right now. Staying home and not having so much architectural work has been a catalyst to feel more creative and I am grateful for this. I was looking forward to being part of a three-person show at M. David & Co. in Brooklyn in June, but having that postponed doesn’t seem so consequential at this point. I think all we’re going through and witnessing during this pandemic is informing my art, and I will be interested to see how it evolves.
Screen with Pink Square, 2020
