Suzie Edwards

Suzie’s Lockdown Story

‘This is a small sculpture of a figure called Yearning, 20 cm tall. It was inspired by lockdown and how everyone was yearning for something – a loved one…..normality…..bread flour…..freedom. I initially made it in wax and it has been cast in bronze and patinated. Ironically, I picked it up from the foundry on Thursday and tested positive for covid the following Monday and so I myself am now back isolating in the prison of my own home, “yearning” for those freedoms and experiences we had just welcomed back after lockdown was eased.

I have been through every emotion under the sun! Probably the stages of grief but the first emotion was horror and sadness at the number of people dying on their own, away from their families. Also, fear of family and friends getting the virus. Fear for the future. As an artist, I found that the underlying anxiety stopped me being creative for a while. However, lockdown has also brought positives: I have spent a lot of time with my sons who are in their twenties, the slowing down of life has allowed us to be in the present and just enjoy it.

Being creative has allowed me to focus on one thing – almost like meditation – and put aside worries and fears. It also gives me a sense of achievement as well as allowing me to express myself. It’s cathartic.

Lockdown has brought out different emotions which I’ve tried to capture in my art. I feel I am lucky to have art at times like this.’

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