Many artworks have been created during the lockdown period, not only to keep the creativity going but also as a legacy of what was going on in the world at the time. “Stay in Your Bubble” by Suzette Datema is our artwork of the week and we chose it for its depiction of society during these strange times as no matter what your walk of life is, we all go through the same uncertainty. An artist, a ballerina, a butler, an office worker are just a few faces of many others carrying on with their lives every day. They may be anonymous, but this painting brings them to life showing us that we are all connected.
Where did the inspiration come from for this piece?
During May this year, I felt quite overwhelmed by all the news about the Corona Virus, making it more worrying as I have a son who suffers from asthma. I, therefore, wanted to make an art piece reflecting on the times we live in. At the time I had no idea what I was going to paint and just started by giving the canvas the brightest orange acrylic coating. Every day I would stare at this canvas, then one night in June I woke up in the middle of the night, and I knew exactly what I was going to paint. The name ‘Stay in your bubble’ also came to mind.
What is the creative process when creating your art?
I painted the bubbles with people of all different walks of life. An Artist, a butler, a ballerina, an office worker, a doctor, a nurse etc. A way of showing that each and everyone on earth is in the same boat, and we have all been given the same responsibility of taking care of ourselves and others, due to the virus.
I layered the bubbles and faces by using oil paint. Around the outside of the bubbles, you can see circles and abstract scribblings, which in my mind, creates the impression of the virus all around.
How long would this work have taken you?
I worked for 7 weeks on this painting alone from start to finished, but my thought process was much longer.
View Suzette’s full gallery here.
