Creatives in Quarantine: Sophia DiRenna ‘20
Being an artist, writer, designer, or any kind of creative right now is… difficult. Much of creation is tied to observation, and that’s an ability that is sorely limited in this current era where we’re largely confined to our homes. Recently, the @chathamarts Instagram has done an excellent job of spotlighting our students and their artistic work and we wanted to showcase them here as well. We’re catching up with some of our artistically minded students and alumni to see how they’re adapting their techniques to suit the current moment. Next up, Sophia DiRenna—
Sophia DiRenna ‘20
Degree: BA in Visual Arts, Studio and Graphic Design
Creative Medium(s) of Choice: Fibers work, drawing, graphic design
“Where do you find yourself working/creating for the most part right now?”
SD: I mostly work in my bedroom or have been setting up in the park doing yarn work.
“What struggles and/or anxieties have you encountered while making art in this socially distant era?”
SD: I haven’t been able to get new materials for a while, so it has been an interesting experience trying to create from what I have already collected in terms of fabric, paint, sewing supplies, etc. I have had an influx of ideas and designs but I have also had to figure out balance and compromise of how to bring these ideas to life with what I have, and how I can make what I have look like the ideal version of what I want to create.
CHECK OUT SOPHIA’s WORK IN ACTION:
Credit: Fanghao “Edge” Tian
“What creative salves, self-care practices, diligent actions, and/or routines have been helping you through?”
SD: I set aside a little bit of time each week to keep myself creative. Even if I am not feeling creative that day, I will force myself to not come up with new ideas but work on remedial tasks to feel as though I am being productive. I also have been giving myself more breaks and not forcing ideas. Going with the flow has been my priority, rather than production.
“What is a piece of art / writing / music / film / etc. that you’d recommend to other creatives right now?”
SD: I would recommend the film The Florida Project. I continue to watch that throughout quarantine, and I find that it holds a lot of relevancy in the value of relationships in a time of social distancing. A lot of the work I have been creating recently revolves around ideas of relationships and valuing those around you. I have found a lot of inspiration and connection to this film.
“Are there any words of wisdom or solidarity you’d like to share with the creative community?”
SD: We are bombarded with endless inspiration for creation in all of this absurdity. The ways in which we create allow us to process what is going on in the world and join together when we can’t physically do so. I think also supporting Black artists at this time is very important in showing our solidarity as a community.
Special thanks to Sophia for chatting with us about the weirdness that is creating in quarantine. If you are a student or alum that is an artist, writer, designer, or creator, let us know if you’d like to participate.
