Time - evolutionary, geological, anthropogenic. Vast, yet often imperceptible, it can pass in a flash or seem to go on forever.

Our perception of time varies hugely depending on our state of mind and circumstance. Consequently, during these unprecedented, challenging days of lockdown, it is polarising. To some, such a situation is intolerable, yet to others it engenders a freedom rarely experienced.

The notion that stifling our physical liberty might otherwise set us free, is a strange one. Yet, although anomalous, this, fortunately, is my own experience. I find it difficult to keep up with the breakneck speed of today’s ‘normal’ life, it somehow makes me feel that no matter what I’m engaged with at present, I should be doing something else, something better or something different. This constant tussle can be hugely disruptive and also tiring , thus my studio is familiar with my periodic pleas to ‘stop the world, I want to get off’.

Lockdown for me is like finally being granted permission to live life at my own pace. I hugely appreciate having room to breath, to ponder, consider….. and the time to just be.

I recently came across this relatable reflection on the lockdown from sculptor Sir Antony Gormley:

"Most of us live our lives in ridiculous obligation to a machine that… is always telling us to do more, have more, go to more places, make more money.”

“This is a wonderful time in which those imperatives are loosened.”

"And we have to ask ourselves: What do we care about? What do we value? What do we love?”

Indeed.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52296886