the pandemic and me

rise exhibition

The RISE Project has been continuing throughout lockdown via an online platform. The group have been participating in art therapy every week and they have come together to create this exhibition ‘The Pandemic and Me’. The work has been inspired by lockdown and the events and feelings throughout this time.

Pain and Fearcopyright courtesy of the artist — **Pain and Fear**
copyright courtesy of the artist

Rooted with Peacecopyright courtesy of the artist — **Rooted with Peace**
copyright courtesy of the artist

The Trio of Plantscopyright courtesy of the artist — **The Trio of Plants**
copyright courtesy of the artist

Waterfall of Tearscopyright courtesy of the artist — **Waterfall of Tears**
copyright courtesy of the artist

During lockdown I have been on an inner journey. These paintings are working through and an expression of feelings. A process of coming through to the other side.copyright courtesy of the artist — **During lockdown I have been on an inner journey.** These paintings are working through and an expression of feelings. A process of coming through to the other side.
copyright courtesy of the artist

Only for a Timecopyright courtesy of the artist — **Only for a Time**
copyright courtesy of the artist

I Can't Breathe part 1 of 4copyright courtesy of the artist — I Can't Breathe
part 1 of 4
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I Can't Breathe part 2 of 4copyright courtesy of the artist — I Can't Breathe
part 2 of 4
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I Can't Breathe part 3 of 4copyright courtesy of the artist — I Can't Breathe
part 3 of 4
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I Can't Breathe part 4 of 4copyright courtesy of the artist — I Can't Breathe
part 4 of 4
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The Delicate Sootheracrylic, pen, pencil and pastel on paper; A3; 2020copyright courtesy of the artist — **The Delicate Soother**
acrylic, pen, pencil and pastel on paper; A3; 2020
copyright courtesy of the artist

Unblockerpen and acrylic paint pens on paper; A3; 2020copyright courtesy of the artist — **Unblocker**
pen and acrylic paint pens on paper; A3; 2020
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What Do You Need to Make Your Work?acrylic on paper; A3; 2020copyright courtesy of the artist — **What Do You Need to Make Your Work?**
acrylic on paper; A3; 2020
copyright courtesy of the artist

The Floodpen and acrylic on paper; approx A5; 2020copyright courtesy of the artist — **The Flood**
pen and acrylic on paper; approx A5; 2020
copyright courtesy of the artist

Dadpencil on paper; A5; 2020copyright courtesy of the artist — **Dad**
pencil on paper; A5; 2020
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Prayer for Unitycopyright courtesy of the artist — **Prayer for Unity**
copyright courtesy of the artist

In Praise of the Tinycopyright courtesy of the artist — **In Praise of the Tiny**
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When?copyright courtesy of the artist — **When?**
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Speaking to Jesuscopyright courtesy of the artist — **Speaking to Jesus**
copyright courtesy of the artist

Journey Through Life Journey 1coffee, tea; 2020copyright courtesy of the artist — Journey Through Life
Journey 1
coffee, tea; 2020
copyright courtesy of the artist

Journey Through Life Journey 2pencil, coffee, tea; 2020copyright courtesy of the artist — Journey Through Life
Journey 2
pencil, coffee, tea; 2020
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Journeys Through Life Journey 3coffee, tea, natural paint form stones- Morocco, sand from Senegal, tissue paper; 2020copyright courtesy of the artist — Journeys Through Life
Journey 3
coffee, tea, natural paint form stones- Morocco, sand from Senegal, tissue paper; 2020
copyright courtesy of the artist

Onward Journey - Between Worlds - One Step at a Time …Stepping Out in Mind and Bodycopyright courtesy of the artist — **Onward Journey - Between Worlds - One Step at a Time …**
Stepping Out in Mind and Body
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Masking Up and Peeling Offcrayons and pastel drawingcopyright courtesy of the artist — **Masking Up and Peeling Off**
crayons and pastel drawing
copyright courtesy of the artist

Emerging From my Bubblewatercolour and colour marker drawingcopyright courtesy of the artist — **Emerging From my Bubble**
watercolour and colour marker drawing
copyright courtesy of the artist

Rising Above the Surface to Breathe with the Support From RISEcopyright courtesy of the artist — **Rising Above the Surface to Breathe with the Support From RISE**
copyright courtesy of the artist

What am I?copyright courtesy of the artist — **What am I?**
copyright courtesy of the artist

Yo-Yo Emotionscopyright courtesy of the artist — **Yo-Yo Emotions**
copyright courtesy of the artist

Wellbeing and Wellness Indoors, During Lockdowncopyright courtesy of the artist — **Wellbeing and Wellness Indoors, During Lockdown**
copyright courtesy of the artist

My Journey Through COVID-19copyright courtesy of the artist — **My Journey Through COVID-19**
copyright courtesy of the artist

Time PassesFrom being in a cage to thinking about the future as time passescopyright courtesy of the artist — **Time Passes**
From being in a cage to thinking about the future as time passes
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Picture my Life in a Handcopyright courtesy of the artist — **Picture my Life in a Hand**
copyright courtesy of the artist

Strong Currents, Adapting my StrokeDuring lockdown so much was all happening at once – at times I felt swamped, swept along, like I might drown. But I knew I could swim, conserve my energy, stop now and then, breath and it’s not perfect but it’s wor… — **Strong Currents, Adapting my Stroke**
During lockdown so much was all happening at once – at times I felt swamped, swept along, like I might drown. But I knew I could swim, conserve my energy, stop now and then, breath and it’s not perfect but it’s working….phew….
copyright courtesy of the artist

Movement and Timecopyright courtesy of the artist — **Movement and Time**
copyright courtesy of the artist

Bottles Express People's Generositycopyright courtesy of the artist — **Bottles Express People's Generosity**
copyright courtesy of the artist

Nothing Good Can StayA short poem to accompany my happy experience when I did a drawing during lockdown of a nature garden in a park:NOTHING GOOD CAN STAYNature's first green is goldHer hardest hue to holdHer early ĺeaf's a flower;But only so an hou… — **Nothing Good Can Stay**
A short poem to accompany my happy experience when I did a drawing during lockdown of a nature garden in a park:
*NOTHING GOOD CAN STAY*
*Nature's first green is gold*
*Her hardest hue to hold*
*Her early ĺeaf's a flower;*
*But only so an hour.*
*By Robert Frost*
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Tower PredictsIt advises us to think about how we live our lives in this pandemiccopyright courtesy of the artist — **Tower Predicts**
It advises us to think about how we live our lives in this pandemic
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Lavender Fields - Seeking Calmness and JoyDuring the early stages of Covid and the uncertainty around lockdown, I found peace and safety in learning to water-paint. I found it relaxing as it provided a form of escapism for me. The lavender fields pr… — **Lavender Fields - Seeking Calmness and Joy**
During the early stages of Covid and the uncertainty around lockdown, I found peace and safety in learning to water-paint. I found it relaxing as it provided a form of escapism for me. The lavender fields provides fond memories of peace and tranquillity, I wanted to be reminded of the calming lavender fragrance and its therapeutic affects, which I often used at times of stress.
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Single Flower - Loneliness and Vulnerability, Yet Remaining Strong - (painted during early lockdown)During my water-paint journey in early lockdown, there were moments of loneliness and feeling vulnerable. I painted this flower to reflect how I was … — **Single Flower - Loneliness and Vulnerability, Yet Remaining Strong - (painted during early lockdown)**
During my water-paint journey in early lockdown, there were moments of loneliness and feeling vulnerable. I painted this flower to reflect how I was feeling. The flower is alone, with transparent petals, almost protecting its strong inner core, yet still delicate and vulnerable. Whilst I was painting this I was feeling emotional, but still remaining strong within with belief and faith. I wasn't lonely, but felt alone. Every time I look at this painting, I see beauty within its strength.
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London Southbank - Silence and EmptinessSeeing London look so empty and barren was a strange experience, especially in a high tourist spot. Amongst the peace and silence there was sadness. I took this picture during my daily walks and seeing the bar… — **London Southbank - Silence and Emptiness**
Seeing London look so empty and barren was a strange experience, especially in a high tourist spot. Amongst the peace and silence there was sadness. I took this picture during my daily walks and seeing the barrier lines across the seats was quite surreal. The stillness and lack of people around created a very strange eerie feeling. It felt, 'normality' will never be the same.
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London Skyline and NatureDuring my regular daily walks, I found London calm and beautiful, it was almost a strange juxtaposition seeing beauty during a huge global pandemic. The skyline was clearer and visible due to reduced traffic and pollution, t… — **London Skyline and Nature**
During my regular daily walks, I found London calm and beautiful, it was almost a strange juxtaposition seeing beauty during a huge global pandemic. The skyline was clearer and visible due to reduced traffic and pollution, the blue 'heart' to thank NHS can be seen on Tower 42 in the distance. Yet the barriered seats were a reminder of COVID19. There were more swans and ducks around the Thames and I could hear the sound of birds. Being distracted from the infrastructure and focusing on nature around me, provided hope and positivity.
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Working from Home - Technology OverloadWorking from home daily and setting up a dedicated space has been a strange experience. Understanding technology and learning how to set up Microsoft Teams and 'Zoom' calls has been challenging. This new 'norma… — **Working from Home - Technology Overload**
Working from home daily and setting up a dedicated space has been a strange experience. Understanding technology and learning how to set up Microsoft Teams and 'Zoom' calls has been challenging. This new 'normal' and adjusting to this routine was difficult, yet it was positive to learn new tools for communication! This is a picture of my workspace, overlooking the world outdoors through my window. My daily routine with the same view…
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we would love to hear what you think about ‘the pandemic and me’ exhibition.

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