Lockdown/Solitude

2020 LOCKDOWN/SOLITUDE
Artist’s Statement

The collection of work is born of the year 2020, from March until December. The historic COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected the world, first of all impacting peoples’ health and their very lives. These paintings represent my response to the subsequent lockdown’s impact – a lockdown that brought about isolation, abrupt change, and solitude.

Racial tension, political division, food scarcity, unemployment, lack of information, conflicting information, loss of income, instability, and limited social contact have all contributed to many subjects of the paintings. Each painting deals with some aspect of cultural events that happened in my immediate experience as as artist, community member, mother, and creative individual.

While the COVID-19 pandemic forced many changes in my daily life, I do not profess to speak to all aspects of the pandemic – only to my individual creative response to life as it changed before my eyes. I have found making art and contributing insight to this historic and cultural chapter has given me a reflective purpose. As the months evolved, a greater sense of compassion for society permeated my consciousness. My emotions were heightened and exposed.

If history provides lessons, it is my hope that this collection will live on as a reminder of how inextricably connected we are as humans – in sickness and health, as well as in solitude. May these paintings allow us to, years from now, remind us where we, as a society, failed and succeeded in a time of crisis. Ultimately, I hope we may look back on this chapter in our common experience as a reflection of our common humanity.

Blistering Effect of Hearing the NewsWatercolor38 x 30 inches April2020$1850News of the increasing coronavirus, the death statistics, the George Floyd murder, racial tension, and the continuing political, harsh rhetoric permeated the news. At t… — **Blistering Effect of Hearing the News**
Watercolor
38 x 30 inches
April
2020
$1850
News of the increasing coronavirus, the death statistics, the George Floyd murder, racial tension, and the continuing political, harsh rhetoric permeated the news. At times the news became overwhelming and annoying (for me).
Social media, Twitter, and the 24 hour cable began to overwhelm. I had to shut it off.
Blistering Effect truly captures the feeling after too much news. Negativity can have a toxic effect on one’s well-being.

Under the SurfaceWatercolor 38 x 30 inchesSeptember 2020$1850Many days under the surface of my calm demeanor there was confusion. Every day could be a proving ground to stay calm and be routine. Something ordinary – like grocery shopping – could hav… — **Under the Surface**
Watercolor
38 x 30 inches
September 2020
$1850
Many days under the surface of my calm demeanor there was confusion. Every day could be a proving ground to stay calm and be routine. Something ordinary – like grocery shopping – could have a vast amount of stress until social distancing, mask-wearing made a difference.

Turn Towards the LightWatercolor38 x 30 inchesApril 2020$1850Despite all difficulties, challenges, setbacks, and disappointment, it’s in our nature to turn towards the light during dark times. Light symbolizes hope and positivity. I have s… — **Turn Towards the Light**
Watercolor
38 x 30 inches
April 2020
$1850
Despite all difficulties, challenges, setbacks, and disappointment, it’s in our nature to turn towards the light during dark times. Light symbolizes hope and positivity. I have seen this over and over again during the last few months – both in myself and others. Optimism began to abound.

Withered Watercolor 21 x 28 inches October 2020 $550The sunflowers in St. Louis are a great subject to capture. I visited Columbia Bottom Conservation Area and the sunflowers were past their prime. Painting the withered sunflowers described the dis… — **Withered**
Watercolor
21 x 28 inches
October 2020
private
The sunflowers in St. Louis are a great subject to capture. I visited *Columbia Bottom Conservation Area* and the sunflowers were past their prime.
Painting the withered sunflowers described the disturbingly high temperatures locally. The temperatures around the globe were also uncharacteristically high. Climate change is more obvious and disquieting.
The withered sunflower came to resemble so much of how I felt last summer.

Serenity NowWatercolor 37 x 25 inches each panel2020$1200 each panelDuring the first few months of the lockdown seeking solace in spiritual pursuits seemed more obvious and plausible. I observed a lot of sharing of spiritual quotes and insights… — **Serenity Now**
Watercolor
37 x 25 inches each panel
2020
$1200 each panel
During the first few months of the lockdown seeking solace in spiritual pursuits seemed more obvious and plausible. I observed a lot of sharing of spiritual quotes and insights on social media. It was as though everyone was looking for something higher and greater to give comfort and guidance. There was an outpouring of support for frontline workers. Buddha is symbolic of quiet contemplation, serenity, calm, meditation, healing.

Serenity NowWatercolor 37 x 25 inchesJune 2020$1200 — **Serenity Now**
Watercolor
37 x 25 inches
June 2020
$1200

Serenity NowWatercolor 37 x 25 inchesJune 2020$1200 each panel — **Serenity Now**
Watercolor
37 x 25 inches
June 2020
$1200 each panel

Light as a FeatherWatercolor 17 x 21 inchesOctober 2020privateTrying to see life as light as a feather became my mantra. — **Light as a Feather**
Watercolor
17 x 21 inches
October 2020
private
Trying to see life as light as a feather became my mantra.

David Dorn Memorial FlowersWatercolor25 x 37 inchesJune 2020$950Retired St. Louis Police Officer David Dorn was gunned down last summer while answering a burglary call. His death was a tragic event and made national news.I was concerned about the un… — **David Dorn Memorial Flowers**
Watercolor
25 x 37 inches
June 2020
private
Retired St. Louis Police Officer David Dorn was gunned down last summer while answering a burglary call. His death was a tragic event and made national news.
I was concerned about the unrest in St. Louis and across the country. I felt compelled to document.
While photographing in North St. Louis, I saw the Dorn sidewalk memorial.
Painting the floral tribute was powerful. Racial tension, civil unrest, and social activism were a huge part of the summer.

Weeping AngelWatercolor 37 x 25 inchesJuly 2020$950On one of my outings — to get outdoors— I went to Bellefontaine Cemetery.  It is a beautiful place— well groomed, grand, and serene. I was struck by one particular monument- the weeping angel. … — **Weeping Angel**
Watercolor 37 x 25 inches
July 2020
$950
On one of my outings — to get outdoors— I went to Bellefontaine Cemetery. It is a beautiful place— well groomed, grand, and serene. I was struck by one particular monument- the weeping angel. The silhouette of the stone marker along with the angel and green moss made a striking impact. I felt compelled to paint.
The piece is a small tribute to all the families who have lost someone in the pandemic. The numbers are too staggering to comprehend: 268,000 on 12/1/2020 and counting.

Nature: Refresh Watercolor 38 x 30 inches July 2020 $2800Initially during the lockdown there was so much time spent indoors. With Spring there came a huge desire to be outside and in nature. Hiking, biking, power-walking, camping all became moments… — **Nature: Refresh**
Watercolor
38 x 30 inches
July 2020
$2800
Initially during the lockdown there was so much time spent indoors. With Spring there came a huge desire to be outside and in nature.
Hiking, biking, power-walking, camping all became moments of reconnection. This return to nature and “reset” button was therapeutic to counterbalance worry and uncertainly.

Sleeping Dogs LieWatercolor17 x 21 inchesOctober 2020privateEveryone has pets. Dogs are everywhere in my neighborhood. I had a bowl of water outside my studio for them. Pet adoption soared across America. Yay for dogs! — **Sleeping Dogs Lie**
Watercolor
17 x 21 inches
October 2020
private
Everyone has pets. Dogs are everywhere in my neighborhood. I had a bowl of water outside my studio for them. Pet adoption soared across America. Yay for dogs!

Two Sisters Watercolor 23 x 30 inches each June 2020 private — **Two Sisters**
Watercolor
23 x 30 inches each
June 2020
private

Two SistersWatercolor23 x 30 inches eachJune 2020$450  During the Black Lives Matter peaceful protests, many people brought their families. There were many ages, but mostly younger people. I definitely felt like the oldest person there. &n… — **Two Sisters**
Watercolor
23 x 30 inches each
June 2020
private

During the Black Lives Matter peaceful protests, many people brought their families. There were many ages, but mostly younger people. I definitely felt like the oldest person there.

These two sisters were so animated and joyful to be part of the crowd. They were shepherded by their mother and stayed close. Capturing their connectedness and total involvement with the activity seemed important.

Two SistersInstallation — **Two Sisters**
Installation

Homebound: Clipped Wings Watercolor 31 x 52 inches November 2020 $2400There were many days I felt fatigued and discouraged about the lack of normalcy. I wanted to paint something to describe the apathy. The painting by Wayne Thiebauld, Supine Woman… — **Homebound: Clipped Wings**
Watercolor
31 x 52 inches
November 2020
$2400
There were many days I felt fatigued and discouraged about the lack of normalcy. I wanted to paint something to describe the apathy. The painting by Wayne Thiebauld, *Supine Woman*, has always been a favorite. I decided to take his composition and paint my own version.
I recreated the pose. I changed the color. The painting didn’t feel complete. It fell short. It wasn’t until I added the stenciled birds that my vision came together.
Homebound with clipped wings sums up how much of the summer felt.

I Dream of ButterfliesWatercolor21 x 28 inchesJuly 2020privateDreams became vivid for me during the last six months.Sleeping figures and resting faces and relaxing poses are interesting to paint.  This one came alive when I painted the butterfl… — **I Dream of Butterflies**
Watercolor
21 x 28 inches
July 2020
private
Dreams became vivid for me during the last six months.
Sleeping figures and resting faces and relaxing poses are interesting to paint. This one came alive when I painted the butterflies underneath.
I feel this painting is about longing and transformation. It’s as though the butterflies are carrying her through space.

Flutter Watercolor 36 x 46 inches October 2020 $2400After many months of solitude and reflection, I wanted to paint the sleeping figure dreaming of escape. The swallows lifting her spirit on an unbounded journey felt appropriate. — **Flutter**
Watercolor
36 x 46 inches
October 2020
$2400
After many months of solitude and reflection, I wanted to paint the sleeping figure dreaming of escape. The swallows lifting her spirit on an unbounded journey felt appropriate.

Beauty In Front Watercolor 21 x 17 inches October 2020 privateOn my birthday I went to a restaurant (first time). I was a little nervous. The waitress was masked and so fresh and welcoming. I noticed her beautiful eyes. I wanted to paint her portr… — **Beauty In Front**
Watercolor
21 x 17 inches
October 2020
private
On my birthday I went to a restaurant (first time). I was a little nervous.
The waitress was masked and so fresh and welcoming.
I noticed her beautiful eyes. I wanted to paint her portrait with the mask. It was obvious that a mask can not cover up beauty or soul. It many ways- it heightens it.
I asked her permission to paint her portrait. She said “yes”.

Goldfish Dream Watercolor 27.5 x 47.5 inches 'May 2020 $2400It is always important to pay attention to the small gifts in life...the gentle, graceful creatures that we cherish as pets and diversions. Goldfish mesmerize. I wanted to capture a bit of… — **Goldfish Dream**
Watercolor
27.5 x 47.5 inches '
May 2020
$2400
It is always important to pay attention to the small gifts in life...the gentle, graceful creatures that we cherish as pets and diversions. Goldfish mesmerize. I wanted to capture a bit of that golden trance.

Goldfish in a Bag SmallWatercolor 15 x 22 inches 'May 2020 $400Always mesmerizing to see them swimming in their contained and perfect world. Very therapeutic. — **Goldfish in a Bag Small**
Watercolor
15 x 22 inches '
May 2020
$400
Always mesmerizing to see them swimming in their contained and perfect world. Very therapeutic.

Black Lives Matter Watercolor 50 x 24 inches each June 2020 $1250After the death of George Floyd, the racial tension and political unrest encompassed the nation. St. Louis held its share of peaceful protests. I went to a couple to show my support. … — **Black Lives Matter**
Watercolor
50 x 24 inches each
June 2020
$1250
After the death of George Floyd, the racial tension and political unrest encompassed the nation. St. Louis held its share of peaceful protests. I went to a couple to show my support. We were discouraged from doing so because of the possibility of COVID transmission in crowds. Despite the sweltering heat (June summer temps), everyone wore masks. There was no spike in COVID after.
This particular gentleman was striking in his demeanor and dignity. He was a quiet presence carrying a sign.

Key Hole Spy Watercolor 25 x 37 inches July 2020 $950After learning about the pandemic and subsequent quarantine, there was a time in March when I was hyper-vigilant and suspicious of everyone. At that point, there was no clear sense of how the vir… — **Key Hole Spy**
Watercolor
25 x 37 inches
July 2020
$950
After learning about the pandemic and subsequent quarantine, there was a time in March when I was hyper-vigilant and suspicious of everyone. At that point, there was no clear sense of how the virus was transmitted. I was exceedingly cautious, peering through a window or door to see who might be there. Initially, no masks were worn (we were told not to), so there was a greater vulnerability in being together.
As our knowledge grew and information became more clear, the fear lessened. We learned to wear masks and socially distance from each other. Life became smoother and more calm.

Praying Hands Watercolor 21 x 17 inchesMarch 2020 $350This really needs no caption. We all need a little prayer. — **Praying Hands**
Watercolor
21 x 17 inches
March 2020
$350
This really needs no caption. We all need a little prayer.

Rainbow Fish Watercolor 21 x 17 inches August 2020 privateCooking became important. I loved to see what is fresh and in stock. Front line grocery workers had everything stocked. By mid summer grocery stores became safe places again. The checkout li… — **Rainbow Fish**
Watercolor
21 x 17 inches
August 2020
private
Cooking became important. I loved to see what is fresh and in stock. Front line grocery workers had everything stocked. By mid summer grocery stores became safe places again. The checkout lines were different with social distancing.

LifeGuard StationWatercolor21 x 21 inchesJune 2020privateA quick trip to Florida in June to see family. I know it was discouraged but we drove non stop to avoid hotels.Seeing the beaches pretty vacant was interesting. There were many different restr… — **LifeGuard Station**
Watercolor
21 x 21 inches
June 2020
private
A quick trip to Florida in June to see family. I know it was discouraged but we drove non stop to avoid hotels.
Seeing the beaches pretty vacant was interesting. There were many different restrictions in Florida than in the Midwest. You could not sunbathe or have blankets closer than 6 feet apart on the beach. We were obedient. Walking the beach and seeing the sunset was good.

Home GrownWatercolor19 x 45 inches2020privateGardening, which helps with mental and emotional stamina, became a cultural pastime.  Everyone now stuck at home had time to invest in their own backyards.I only had a few pots to garden— my tomatoes… — **Home Grown**
Watercolor
19 x 45 inches
2020
private
Gardening, which helps with mental and emotional stamina, became a cultural pastime. Everyone now stuck at home had time to invest in their own backyards.
I only had a few pots to garden— my tomatoes. I took great pride in nurturing them all summer.
Being outside, watching things grow, watering, and seeing greenery and life was really important.

Air StreamWatercolor15 x 22 inchesJune 2020$300Everyone wanted to travel. It became clear that airstreams and RV’s were the safe way to travel. There was a rush to purchase or lease them. I made a trip to Florida only once in nine months. We drove… — **Air Stream**
Watercolor
15 x 22 inches
June 2020
$300
Everyone wanted to travel. It became clear that airstreams and RV’s were the safe way to travel. There was a rush to purchase or lease them. I made a trip to Florida only once in nine months. We drove straight through to avoid staying overnight. It is not necessary to do that now. We know so much more.
I

Bleeding HeartsWatercolor20 x 20 inchesApril 202$450In April the bleeding hearts began to bloom. It was the promise of better things to come— along with their pink hue that drew me to paint. — **Bleeding Hearts**
Watercolor
20 x 20 inches
April 202
private
In April the bleeding hearts began to bloom. It was the promise of better things to come— along with their pink hue that drew me to paint.

Short SupplyWatercolor15 x 22 inchesJune 2020$300Of course there was a run on toilet paper. — **Short Supply**
Watercolor
15 x 22 inches
June 2020
private
Of course there was a run on toilet paper.

My Best FriendWatercolor20 x 16 inchesDecember 2020$350Windex and most cleaning solutions became my best friends during the last nine months. — **My Best Friend**
Watercolor
20 x 16 inches
December 2020
$350
Windex and most cleaning solutions became my best friends during the last nine months.

No Matter How Dark Watercolor 21 x 17 inches 2020 privateNo matter how dark it gets, you can’t extinguish the light. — **No Matter How Dark**
Watercolor
21 x 17 inches
2020
private
No matter how dark it gets, you can’t extinguish the light.

Democracy is Fragile Watercolor 26 x 48 inches November 2020 $1950The Presidential election in 2020 was not to be unnoticed. Voting took place in person and by mail. The ballots were counted over a few days and the winner declared. The controversy… — **Democracy is Fragile**
Watercolor
26 x 48 inches
November 2020
$1950
The Presidential election in 2020 was not to be unnoticed. Voting took place in person and by mail. The ballots were counted over a few days and the winner declared.
The controversy over the voting continues to haunt the news and political environment.
Painting the cracked egg reminded me of how fragile our democracy is— here in the US. I feel our democracy is being shaken and tested on a number of fronts.
We must all do our part to hold fast the institutions that make our country great. Like free and fair voting.

Lockdown/Solitude

Carol Carter