Creatives in Quarantine: Kelsey Nagy ‘20
Being an artist, writer, designer, or any kind of creative right now is… difficult. Much of creation is tied to observation, and that’s an ability that is sorely limited in this current era where we’re largely confined to our homes. Recently, the @chathamarts Instagram has done an excellent job of spotlighting our students and their artistic work and we wanted to showcase them here as well. We’re catching up with some of our artistically-minded students and alumni to see how they’re adapting their techniques to suit the current moment. Next up, Kelsey Nagy—
Kelsey Nagy ‘20
Degree: BA in Media Arts: Photography
Creative Medium(s) of Choice: Digital and Film Photography
“Where do you find yourself working/creating for the most part right now?”
KN: I choose a new spot to sit and edit each day which has helped me to avoid creative burnout. Having a variety of workplaces keeps the editing process from becoming mundane and also allows me to choose a space that fits the workload. For example, if I have a large batch to do with a certain deadline, I will work from my desk but if I am working on small personal projects, I will work outside.
“What struggles and/or anxieties have you encountered while making art in this socially distant era?”
KN: Maintaining access to editing software has been one struggle. I mainly relied on the on-campus resources, however the student access helped out a lot for finishing coursework. Another struggle has been the inability to work with others. Even though I am not currently able to conduct in-person shoots due to the current situation, I am fortunate enough to be able to complete more personal projects such as wildlife and botanical photography from my home.
CHECK OUT KELSEY’S PHOTOS OF CHATHAM’S FAMOUS CHERRY BLOSSOMS:
“What creative salves, self-care practices, diligent actions, and/or routines have been helping you through?”
KN: It has really been helpful to maintain a routine for each morning and each night. These routines also have their own time frames which have helped to create a consistent sleep schedule as well. I have also been able to dedicate more time to gardening and yard work which gets me away from the screen for a while.
“What is a piece of art / writing / music / film / etc. that you’d recommend to other creatives right now?”
KN: I have been reading a lot of Stephen King’s work recently and his longer books are great for passing time!
“Are there any words of wisdom or solidarity you’d like to share with the creative community?”
KN: Many artists have expressed their lack of motivation to create during this time and I have had days like that as well. It can be difficult and it is okay to feel that way but it is important to remember that it will not last forever.
Special thanks to Kelsey for chatting with us about the weirdness that is creating in quarantine. If you are a student or alum that is an artist, writer, designer, or creator, let us know if you’d like to participate.
