https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2707-5582
As we move into the spring and summer of 2021, we find much of our lives are still dominated by COVID. The slow return to relative normality is threatened by new variants, although the vaccination rollout provides hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel, this continued uncertainty has been difficult for many. As I write this editorial, it is the start of Mental Health Awareness week here in the UK. This year the week has been focussed on nature, promoting seven ‘top tips’ on connecting with nature to improve your mental health.Footnote1 Many in the UK and globally have found solace during the pandemic in natural spaces, from gardens to parks and nature reserves. Top tip number six ‘Combine nature with creativity’ likely speaks to many reading this, and suggests taking part in creative activities outside, such as dance, music, or visual arts. They suggest taking photographs, writing, drawing, or painting landscapes, plants or animals.
As well being professional medical artists and clinical photographs, many of our contributing authors and readers also create artwork for their own personal enjoyment. I wonder how many have found this practice helpful during this last year. In this issue we feature an Alternative Gallery by Hannah Slater-Patterson, on ‘Lockdown Artwork: Putting down the dental drill and picking up the art materials’. Hannah is dental student who found herself with plenty of time on her hands for creating artwork when, during the first lockdown in March 2020, all practical dental teaching was suspended. Her gallery pieces show how she has explored the topic of dentistry through art. She also got her fellow students involved by setting up the ‘Leeds Dental Art Club’ to run virtual tutorials and painting evenings.
Like Hannah, I’ve also been inspired over this last year to start creating art for myself again. Unlike my professional work which is mostly digital 3D, this has taken the form of printmaking, both with lino and drypoint. My subject matter has tended to be the natural world, animals both wild and pets (some admittedly have their skeletons showing, but I am still a medical artist after all!). There’s something very calming about the printmaking process – because a process is what it is. It includes many methodical steps, from drawing the sketch, transferring this to the lino, carving, cutting and preparing paper, printing (perhaps multiple layers), and finally signing and editioning. I’m even working on an anatomy series that might form a future gallery piece all going to plan.
I’m curious what other artwork our readers have been creating outside of their day jobs. This would be nice to see for more alternative gallery pieces, so please feel free to submit and share with your peers.