As self-quarantine begins to feel more permanent than temporary, students around the world are beginning to come terms with the reality that they will not return to school this year. For high school seniors in the United States, this means potentially missing their graduation ceremonies, among other celebratory events. However, all hope is not lost, and we must continue to push forward with a positive mentality. With the downtime, many Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School students have been doing just that, as they keep themselves occupied with creating art. The Coronavirus may have forced us indoors, but it has not limited creativity.
Elora Tamburri, Senior
Tamburri has been taking art classes since freshman year including Drawing 1 and 2, Airbrush, and studio art for two consecutive years. She has been sharing her artistic creations through social media.
“Art has helped me a lot during quarantine,” Tamburri said. “It’s something to keep me occupied but also a way for me to work through my emotions.”
Recently, Elora has been working on projects that promote motivational and positive messages during this tough time, reminding people to “be brave.”
“I consider art therapeutic,” Tamburri said. “It allows you to express yourself so vividly when words just don’t do the trick.”
Emelyne Johns, Senior
Johns has always enjoyed painting, and self-quarantine has allowed her to invest more time into new pieces and projects, such as painting designs on clothing for herself and for her friends. Art has helped Johns stay productive during quarantine.
“I’ve used my art projects as things to keep me busy so that I don’t spend my day sitting in bed after doing all my school work,” Johns said. “I find [making art] very calming and a good stress reliever
especially if I’ve been having a bad day for whatever reason.”
Johns has completed a total of eight projects so far, and is constantly brainstorming new creative ideas.
Kai Buro, Senior
Buro is an aspiring artist whose artwork ranges from drawing on paper to creating digital work. He has been sharing his art on social media throughout quarantine.
“Art has always helped me cope and express myself,” Buro said. “It has a way of calming me down when I’m overwhelmed, which has been happening a lot since quarantine started. Art is most definitely therapeutic and I definitely recommend it.”
Recently, Buro has also started selling merchandise of his work on Redbubble and has also opened art commissions.
“I’ve been making art for people more often lately,” Buro said. “It makes me happy that I’m making them happy.”
Despite all of the negativity we have been feeling and nerve-wracking news we have been receiving regarding COVID-19, hope is still making the world round. Now more than ever, we need to remain positive, stay home for the safety of others and channel our energy into hobbies that bring us joy, such as making art. There is no better cure for anxiety than taking care of yourself and being in touch with your emotions through self-expression.
