Many of Potomac’s own artists have continued to produce creations despite being away from a studio. Whether it be painting or sculpting, these resourceful students and staff have decided not to let the pandemic get in the way of their passion. 

The assumption may be that the stay-at-home orders have negatively impacted their art, but sophomore Kennedy Ferguson disagrees.

“Quarantine has actually really boosted the amount of art I produce. I’ve found myself really gravitating to art to fill the time, and it somehow makes me feel super productive to binge a show on Netflix and make art at the same time,” says Kennedy. 

“Before, I never had time to create things at home. I always got home too late or just felt too exhausted to do anything but eat and sleep. It’s really liberating to be able to make whatever I want without time regulations or instructions from a class,” she continued. 

One issue some others have been having is the lack of supplies or space at home opposed to a studio.

“I’m not in a studio anymore, so that’s a big difference,” says art teacher Mr. Morgan.

“I think all artists, in addition to creating artwork, start by creating an environment or habitat in which their ideas can flow, where they can be inspired by materials and even just by the tools that they use,” he says.

Junior Abby Malmud has adapted to her lack of materials by trying out a new style of paint.

“I don’t have any acrylic paint at home so I’m trying to use watercolor, but it’s sort of hard so I’m just trying to do a bunch of basic paintings so I can get a little more comfortable with it,” she says.

“I’m also doing colored pencils and graphite as I did at school,” continues Abby.

Because the excessive time in quarantine has taken a toll on students’ motivation levels, besides the generic eat-sleep-repeat cycle, many would think that some of these artists would experience these same struggles. 

“There are so many things I have to really force myself to do,” said Kennedy when asked if she was having trouble finding opportunities to continue her art.

 “Art hasn’t been one of those things. I haven’t really had to motivate myself to do it. It’s more of an impulse, like wanting to check my phone,” she said. 

Junior Anna Matthews finds it a bit more difficult to continue her art over lockdown. 

“I will admit it’s hard to stay motivated with Netflix and all of that,” said Anna. 

“I’m actually working on a project with two girls right now. They wrote this cute children’s story and I’m helping them illustrate it… I feel motivated to do that because it’s for someone else,” she continued. 

While everyone seems to be finding quarantine difficult in one way or another, student artists have not let isolation deter them from what they love doing most.