Quarantine allows for exploration of art, hobbies

Caitlin Corley

Assistant Arts Editor

Due to quarantine keeping a large amount of people in their homes, many have been using their new founded free time trying out their skills in the category of art. 

Some are referring to this sudden craze as the quarantine “Art Boom.”

“I would say that more people have definitely been giving art a try,” Dale High School senior and Bison Brigade participant, Kaitlyn Wilson said. “Nowadays, people have more time on their hands, so they are trying all sorts of things. Plus, with being stuck at home, it’s an easy thing to do when you don’t know anything else.”

 Wilson also pointed to the emotional nature of art.

“I would say another reason they are (making art) is because they are feeling different with all the change and things going on,” Wilson said. “It really brings out emotion, and one of the things art is known for is its unique way of showing the artist’s emotion through a piece.”

Current artists who have been working on pieces since before quarantine have also taken advantage of this time to improve on their own style or to find another one they enjoy. 

Alyssa Case, a junior animation major, is one artist using the time to master her style of art.

“I mostly tried to figure out the style I was most comfortable with. I made a few pieces over quarantine trying to solidify something I could be proud of,” Case said. “I suppose that’s less trying something new and more just narrowing down my scope.”

As much as it has been a time for current artists to look for their style and for new artists to try art out in general, it has also been a time for recognizing artists.

“I know I myself have noticed more galleries around and more that are accepting local artists to start somewhere and get a name for themselves so yeah, I would say this could definitely be a sort of an ‘art boom,’” Wilson said.“I think it’s good! The world needs new, fresh minds. It brings more ideas and perspectives on everything!”

 Case shared similar thoughts on the subject.

 “I’ve definitely been seeing more art from new people on my timeline,” Case said. “I’m happy for it. This has always been something I’ve enjoyed doing, and I’m glad more people have opened themselves up to trying it out.”

With so many people trying out this hobby, or lifestyle to some, it’s not expected that everyone will stick with it after quarantine is over.

 “I think the majority will stick with it, if for nothing more than a fun hobby,” Case said.

With people starting to go back to work and school, the quarantine “art boom” may be coming to an end for some.

“You know, it’s hard to tell. I think some will start and then realize it’s a passion of theirs and hopefully will stick with it,” Wilson said. “Others may try it and say this isn’t for me. Some may even try it, love it, but get busy once everything gets going again, so then they just do it anymore.”

Others may be sticking with it as a new hobby of theirs or even a new lifestyle they follow. 

With all of the struggles of quarantine, at least there is art to help people express their emotions.