By Atisa Khalaj
Covid has given the chance to many of us to focus more on ourselves and a chance to reflect and see how we truly feel without all the distractions we face on the daily.
People have been creative, coming up with new innovations, building their own knowledge, discovering more about what they enjoy and need to help them cope although we now have many restrictions and are still adapting to our new lifestyles.
At times we feel overwhelmed, stressed, isolated and lonely, feelings that surround us and we can’t escape. There’s a brighter side to many situations and, although this time is not easy, it continues to teach us more about our surroundings and how each individual copes. We discovered new things about ourselves and many discovered and found more of an appreciation for the arts and music.
Art
During the pandemic, I have gotten the chance to discover more art and find more of an appreciation for looking and making my own art. I think art is something that can be anything, art is everything and nothing. By this I mean that something I may make could mean and express a thousand things to me, but to someone else it can have a different expression or make them feel a different way. During these times it has been difficult for many of us to express how we are feeling and art has always been a way people can cope, let go and portray their emotions through colours or even just a sketch. I had the chance to speak to a few close friends. Here’s what they had to say: “ I never felt I was good at art so I never did it but I find looking at art and finding art to put in my room still makes me feel happy” and “ during quarantine I bought a paint by numbers art and when I would do it it would keep me busy and I would feel accomplished.”
Music
You can learn so much about a person just by learning what kind of music they enjoy. The number of genres, voices, beats and vibrations that different people enjoy and allow them to feel different emotions is incredible. I asked some students how music has helped them cope with Covid-19 and feelings they have experienced. Some said when we listen to music and just relax it makes us less stressed and at times that we don’t feel motivated it will get us motivated to work or exercise. One student pointed out “I feel I get to sink in and be in my own zone separate from what’s going on in the outside world and it calms me.” Here’s some new music and artists suggested by students at Harbord: Good Dayz by SZA , Midnight Sky by Miley Cyrus, Lana Del Ray, Knicks by Cochise and Oblivion by Grimes
We all cope in many different ways, music and art continue to help many of us cope by helping each of us create a safe space for ourselves and deal with our feelings and emotions in healthy ways.
Art By Atisa Khalaj