Staying in with ... Robert Davidson
Visual artist ‘spending a lot of time in my thoughts’
With galleries locked, concert halls closed and theatres dark, Postmedia has reached out to B.C. artists of all types to find out what they are doing during these trying COVID-19 times.
Internationally acclaimed B.C. visual artist of Haida and Tlingit descent, Robert Davidson has taken some time to answer our isolation questionnaire.
Q:
Where are you spending most of your time?
A:
Spending a lot of time in my thoughts. Re-evaluating the path I’ve been on for the past while. A couple of thoughts: Nature has pushed the pause button, time out from this crazy path we’re on. Coronavirus is telling us we’re in it all together. Second thought: Hello all, a reminder that all is safe. We’re in a state of ‘iihldaa (transformation). We all have what it takes to weather this change. Creativity will see us through, Creativity thrives in peace of mind, allow peace of mind to thrive. A peaceful mind has no room for worry or fear.
Q: Who are you with?
A:
I’m with my wife Terri-Lynn and communicating through iPhone and emails or phone calls.
Q:
Where are you getting your information?
A:
CBC News on my iPad, or once in awhile the radio. But not too much, it can be overwhelming and a downer. Being in a downer state, there is no room for hope and creativity.
Q:
What is something you are doing that you don’t normally do?
A:
I’m spending a lot of time in isolation in my studio (White Rock). I’ve always had an apprentice working with me. I find my most creative time is in quiet and being private with my thoughts.
Q: What have you been reading?
A:
Re-reading notes I have collected over the years on our Haida language, learning their meaning and practise using it. I’m a one-word, one-sentence Haida speaker. I was not brought up speaking our language. I have great joy in using these words to express my feelings.
Q:
What are you doing for exercise?
Q: What worries you?
A:
I power walk six to seven times a week and go to a trainer twice a week except for this week.
A:
I’m concerned for my grandchildren and what will their future be like. This fast pace we’ve been on is scary with no regard for the future. Hurry, hurry, hurry seems to be the present-day mantra. It is going so fast that it is leaving our soul behind.
Q: When this ends what will be different? A:
When this cycle ends my hope is we’re taking the time to re-evaluate the path we’re on to slow down and make peace with our spirituality. Create a sustainable future for our grandchildren. COVID-19 has opened the door for that possibility.