a hobby born in the COVID-19 quarantine
as a healthcare professional, there was no real separation from the pandemic for myself and my colleagues. we did not have direct patient contact as we are Medical Laboratory Scientists and therefore run all diagnostic tests, but in one of the largest hospitals in Wisconsin, our work was no less essential.
we had to adjust to the stasis of patient work at the beginning of quarantine while everyone was sheltering at home, and then the inevitable monsoon of patients that flooded our hospital as COVID-19 spread. we were not considered frontline, but we continued to be the backbone that stabilizes the hospitals and clinics while we navigated this pandemic and all its complications. we adjusted to a ridiculously high volume of work while also trying to keep our sanity, understaffed and overworked. My mental health was tanking as we watched this pandemic take hold of the world with a vice grip and there was no silver lining to be seen.
I found alcohol ink by mistake during the beginning of the shelter at home order. we had to take unpaid days/vacation days to compensate for the lack of patient work and I was bored out of my mind. I was scrolling through instagram when I saw a delicate painting, wispy and ethereal, and I went down the rabbit hole.
I taught myself techniques and styles, practiced while watching youtube videos, found what inks I liked best, and waited desperately for the national shortage of 91% isopropyl alcohol to end. I had incredibly supportive and wonderful friends (who were also my coworkers) who commissioned coaster sets while I taught myself how to properly protect and seal the inks. I soon moved onto platters, trinket dishes, spoon rests, jewelry… you name it. it’s been two years since I started, and I still can’t get enough.
Thank you for stopping by, even if it was for a quick glance. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions, I’d love to work with you😊