College Artists Continuing their Work through the COVID-19 Pandemic

By ELIZA PLUCKHORN

https://spark.adobe.com/page/UP4mtOjeNzeGT/

Have you switched your major in college? According to the US Department of Education, nearly a third of all college students switch their major at least once during their collegiate careers. If you’re an artist on the side but enrolled as a Nursing major, or a Political Science major who happens to be passionate about photography, you might be thinking about making your art your full-time career.

Kiara Liwag, a junior Visual Communication Design major at Ramapo College, understands the inner turmoil and doubt that comes from pursuing a career without passion.  Liwag entered Ramapo College as a Nursing major, but found after two years in the nursing program that she felt unfulfilled.

Artists are experiencing an interesting time in their careers, as social distancing has quarantined everyone to one place. Thanks to COVID-19, many artists find themselves turning to new ways of expressing their art.

“I really started making bracelets last summer, around the time that I was struggling with whether or not it was the best idea for me to switch majors,” said Liwag, 21. “It was a stress reliever and something I could do to get and keep my mind off of my decision.”

Now, Liwag finds herself making bracelets around the clock, and exploring new designs in her patterns. Using colorful cotton string, Liwag weaves beautiful patterns together using just her hands, the string, and a safety pin to keep them in place. Liwag considers herself lucky to have found a dedicated hobby that doubles as a job during this quarantine. 

Some artists have not been so lucky.

According to ARTnews.com, of the 3.3 million American workers who’ve filed for bankruptcy due to the pandemic, “Thousands work in the cultural sector for museums, galleries, art schools, and other cultural organizations.” This has workers turning to side gigs, becoming part of the “gig economy”, in order to support themselves.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, (BLS), the term “gig economy” is defined as “Contingent or alternative employment arrangements, or both.” Working in the gig economy is a broad statement that defines many different types of work, meaning you could be working in any job field that requires at least one period of guaranteed work. The gig economy is especially accessible to artists, who are often commissioned for their works.

“Many occupations in this group (artists), including musicians, graphic designers, and craft and fine artists, offer specific one-time services or customized products, which makes them good candidates for gig work,” according to BLS. During the COVID-19 pandemic, workers in the gig economy are taking to online sources in order to find and continue their work.

“I’ve really honed into making bracelets,” Liwag said. Though this quarantine period is detrimental for some artists, those with virtual stores continue to thrive as shipping and order fulfillment remains an accessible, no-contact service. “This period of social distancing has been both a blessing and a curse. Because of quarantine, I have made so many bracelets. I finish at least one and work on at least three a day.”

Because of her major, Liwag has all of her now-online classes during the beginning of the week, giving her ample time to complete bracelets in the new found free time she has. This period has also given her more quality time with her mother, Jennifer Liwag, who is a Nurse in Monmouth County at the Raritan Bay Old Bridge hospital which is treating hundreds of COVID-19 patients. When her mother isn’t working double shifts at the hospital, she is usually making bracelets with her daughter, enjoying some quality mother-daughter time.

Jennifer Liwag greatly looks forward to her time at home with her family, making every moment count as she is faced with illness and death everyday she has to work. Having this outlet has proved to be a form of self care for her, time to unwind with family and enjoy the present moment.

“When I decided to start the business it wasn’t about the money, I just really enjoyed making bracelets and it gave my mom and me a reason to sit and do something together,” said Liwag. This quarantine is giving her more opportunity for family time, creating a near-perfect atmosphere in which to create and explore new mediums.

Though this time has proven to be positive for Liwag and her mother’s bracelet business, other artists are not being affected in quite the same way, as every artistic medium differs from the next.

Increasing Personal Potential

Josh Marione, a junior Photography major at Ramapo College, recently found his passion in taking pictures. He took the opportunity to pursue his art in college, benefiting his business and his personal artistic credibility.

“I entered college as a Sociology major and soon after decided to become a double major by adding a Political Science major,” said Marione. “When my art began to take over my life and become such an incredible part of my identity, I decided to switch my major to Photography. It was then that I decided if I was going to choose this path, that I would double down and learn as much as I could.”

Marione, 20,  had always considered his photography a hobby, but when his work began to be recognized he decided to dedicate himself to his art. He attended many sports events at Ramapo College, and captured moments of athletes in action.

Once he started getting widespread recognition for his work through his photography Instagram, (@marionedigital), he realized this simple hobby could become much more – and he could pursue his love of the camera as a full time career.

 

Social distancing has affected how Marione does his work, but not how often he works.

“By keeping at home, the access to inspiration is much more sparse. My work in photography revolves mainly around taking portraits, something which is difficult to do during this time,” Marione said. Though he can’t do commissions for the time being, he has found a way to adapt during social isolation. 

Marione’s time is split up differently now, allowing him more time than he’s ever had before for editing. When asked about what he’s doing to compensate for his normal work, he said his workflow is continuing as usual. “I have chosen to spend my time editing old photos or taking new ones in the form of self portraits and pictures of my family.”

Marione is one of many photographers who have become extremely creative with their photography in a time of social distancing due to COVID-19.

New & Unfamiliar Times

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic is a new and unfamiliar time being presented to everyone around the world. During times of mass confusion and stay at home orders, these artists stress how important it is to remain calm and follow the measures put in place by both state and local governments.

Liwag has found that sticking to a work ethic can be tricky, but there are always more outlets for inspiration. “Isolation has me making bracelets anytime I have nothing to do, which is most of the time,” said Liwag. “I did lose some inspiration for a bit during around the 2-week mark of isolation, but thankfully I have great friends that helped me find some cool patterns to do.”

With these new patterns at her friend’s recommendations, Liwag is expanding her skill set and learning new things, proving that staying at home isn’t boring, it’s what you make of it.

Marione had a similar response, saying, “Being apart from my daily work routine has forced me to reevaluate the choices I have made and plan on making as a professional artist.” Taking time to reflect on a career path isn’t always easy, and some may put it off until they absolutely have to face their future.

This time away has presented Marione with challenges and questions, reminding him to stay on track and take life one day at a time. “The constraints that we have been placed in force you to challenge yourself,” said Marione. “Steel is tempered by fire. I believe that if you truly love what you do as an artist then you will come out of this period of social distancing and isolation better than ever.”

Instead of taking this time to wallow in self pity, these artists showcased their true potential and what is yet to come of their budding careers as artists. They stay home, wear masks when they have to leave their houses, and follow the guidelines of social distancing. They do this while staying focused on their long-term goals, and working hard on themselves to get where they need to be.

Take a deep breath, everything will be normal soon. Until it is, take advantage of this time you have at home. Work on a project you never finished, take up a new hobby, get into shape. The possibilities of your future are dictated by what you do now.