Day 5, Level 3: New Covid cases, rumours, my studio and creation

So, 13 more cases today. The source unclear and locations of cases range from the north to the south of Auckland City. And a few others places in the North Island. It's all apparently stems from one family and all seems to be rather random. Nothing makes much sense. This is one helluva wandering family with many contacts. I wonder if we're being given all relevant information. 

Rumours have been spreading on social media about the family this new outbreak started from and how the virus might have been contracted and spread. The Health Minister shut them down unequivocally today. But still, there is a huge lack of public information about the source and nature of contraction. Last time, during L4 lockdown, such info was readily given relating to the clusters - a wedding, a birthday gathering etc. This time, no info about how the virus became reborn within this current cluster.

Not to mention that this is a completely different strain of Covid-19 virus to what was in the country initially. It's all a bit random and concerning.

Brrr, it was cold this morning - but turned into a glorious day again. I decided I would spend the afternoon in my studio. It's the first time I've spent time in there for months, definitely since before lockdown. It felt rather weird to go back in there - but I quickly felt at home. I had no idea what I was going to do or even whether I would create something. I'd half thought of starting my WOW garment - but the mood wasn't there. Although the idea has formed well, I haven't quite got to the stage of "attack" i.e. how will I actually bring this idea to fruition. That needs more technical consideration!

I fiddled about a bit, reconnected with my many arty things, and then made a quirky little artwork that I rather like; three small panels, with shapes and crosses, 3D style (not painted). Created using vintage and contemporary jewellery. Something a little different. Fun but fiddly to create. And hard to photograph well, especially seeing it's not properly finished or mounted. I'll complete that part tomorrow. But it gives the idea. I think it will go up to Omaha to sit on a wall there.

Haha, posting this photo, I've just realised that the panel on the right is similar to my Beyond logo!

I think I'll have to call this piece Beyond, haha!

It really was great to get back into creative mode. The sun shone down warmly and it was very peaceful. I chuckled again at being surrounded by masks - albeit the wrong type! Mine cover the eyes, not the all-important nose/mouth area!

I'm looking forward to getting back into my studio tomorrow ...

SHARE-NOTE OF THE DAY:
My studio ...

My studio

It's situated under the house at the far end, and adjoining the garden. It's a very tranquil setting, although the studio itself is rather chaotic!

It's small, but at the same time a decent size. I can't begin to quantify the number of very happy hours I've spent in it creating over the 24 years we've been here. 

I have two outdoor areas, as shown above - one for spray painting (to the left) and one where I generally create if the weather is behaving and whatever I'm making can be taken outside. Today it was ideal - although did get a bit too hot for comfort at times, especially mid afternoon when the sun floods the garden. Sometimes the brightness of the sun makes it hard when you're working on a white background. 

Under the draped cover in the photo is my easel. I do most of my painting onto canvas outside - usually in the morning when it's cooler and the light is better. Sun is great - but it's not that great for creation. Good light is the key, not sunshine.

As I say, my studio is not a large space, but it holds a lot! It's great to have so many different spaces to work in, depending on light, weather, wind, project etc. Wind definitely precludes working outside - but our place has its own micro-climate so even if it is windy out across the valley and city, it is often calm in our garden. 

I really can't believe I haven't worked in my studio since the end of March. But then again, I've spent most of the time since then at Omaha! Where I may be headed on Tuesday ...

Although spending lockdown at home is ok too. I'll decide in due course. But if I'm going to go to Omaha I'd better get up there before Friday when the review is made to see if Auckland goes to Level 4, stay at Level 3, or even perhaps go down to Level 2. I've got a nasty feeling it may be the former. But who knows. 

Look at that perfect blue sky!

The verandah was the perfect place this morning for a read of the paper with coffee and a crumpet!