Apr 29, 2020
Covi-tivity
As we shelter-in-place: maybe work at home, meet and socialize on Zoom, don our ‘business casual’ PJs, and place grocery orders online, we’ll all adjusting to a new paradigm. (Is it just me, or is securing a coveted delivery slot like attempting to be “caller number 10” to win those HOT concert tickets?). None of us have any idea when this will end, but despite this once-in-a-lifetime crisis, I’m personally encouraged by peoples’ creativity.
From the Getty Museum’s Twitter challenge to people to create famous works of art using only household items and family members/pets, to song-smiths coming up with alternate lyrics to “My Sharona,” the range and creativity of Covid-themed memes, songs, videos, dance numbers, poems, and art creations is nothing short of spectacular! And the really cool thing is these are all images and concepts we can personally relate to, which gives them even more power to connect people in this shared experience. Here are some of my favorite examples! ENJOY (at a safe distance of six feet)!
The Getty Art Challenge
So, what does a museum do to keep the public engaged in art when their doors are closed? Well, the Getty Museum in Los Angeles challenged people (via Twitter) to recreate famous works of art using only household items and family members/pets as props. The results are amazing!
Song and Dance
What do you do when you’re stuck at home with your family with nothing better to do? You make a music video! Here are some hilarious examples of songs we all know that have been creatively rewritten for the current crisis.
My Corona | A “My Sharona” Viral Anthem
I Will Survive In The Style Of Gloria Gaynor
by Victoria Emes (Gotta love the leotard!)
I’ve been through the desert on a horse with no name.
written by Dewey Bunnell and posted by Ernie ernie
But with quite the mane. By America…
And my personal fave !
Family Lockdown Boogie
Written by Jack Buchanan and Choreographed by Anna Robinson
Many there are many more where those came from!
And of course, Beer Memes
and Mask Making
Mask making is the new craft-du-jour. Here are some fun examples of masks you can make.
How to Crochet a Quick and Easy Face Mask, Face Warmer — V34
Handmade by Mei
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y74imX0BeI
As well as this free pattern!
Not to mention Poetry and Creative Writing
Last, but not least, is the slew creative writing that’s coming out of the pandemic. I suppose you could call it a pendemic?
This Is a Story About Social Distancing And Haiku Collage
KQED recently posted this story about a project that’s part of a collaboration between Los Angeles-based artist Alan Nakagawa called “Social Distancing, Haiku, and You.”. The challenge, of course, is how to you boil down what everyone is experiencing during this crisis into just 17 syllables? The submissions were impressive!
Above is a creatively re-written resume from my friend Ali. I think it not only is creative and funny, but it also speaks to the fears we all have as to how we’re going to stay employed and recover financially.
So, the moral of the story is: WE WILL SURVIVE! As long as we have our creativity — and each other — we will make it through this with our humor and health intact.
Everybody take care and keep healthy and safe!
– ’Berta
