5 years. A lot can change.

5 Years what you might ask?

5 Years since it all changed.

Everything changed. Melbourne Lock down 2020. When everything changed. It feels like a life time ago, when the next 2 years were spent under some kind of restriction. Since going to the shop was an ordeal, a walk outside meant staying within your 5km radius and well the end of any kind of social life one once had. While 5 years does a times feel like a long time, its something that also feels like yesterday. Something that will be with me forever. IYKYK

Its a hard and uneasy feeling to describe - what it was like during that time, while it was not all bad its something that unless you where there, i'm sorry I'm not sure you completely get it. And to be honest, I'm glad you don't - I wouldn't wish it on anyone! This is just mine story, journey, adventure, and memories, and well it really did change everything for me. 5 Years ago this month, I left Fiji and set up home in Melbourne. My beautiful dogs and I, ready for the hustle and bustle of big city life. Which we got, for about 3 weeks - Then it was time to stay home, inside. Away from the world. Lock down. It had begun, and honestly there where times when I thought it would never end. The word to this day gives me goosebumps. Now, while I realise this sounds all doom and gloom, its not - its taken me a long time to find the sunshine and rainbows that did in fact come out of it. Emotionally it was one of life's biggest roller coasters. A ride that taught me to hold on and accept that in the words of a wise priest " It'll pass " ( Fleabag fans unite ) While it did pass, I'm not sure I came out of it the same person who went in. And that's not a bad thing. After sewing 5000+ fabric face masks ( something like that ) watching hours and hours of subtitled tv shows, having dress up parties via skype, getting lost in books and books, endless dog cuddles ( actually the best ) trying to study and days getting swollowed by my art supplies, I emerged as what i like to think, was new and improved. haha Of course during this time, there were some long days. when it was all too much, then a friend would text and say " hey we are going to rate all the "Shapes" biscuits in order, go to woolies and get a box of each and some beers and we can do it together" I mean what a time to be alive! now while i can't remember which Shape reigned supreme ( It will always be Chedders for me ) It was something that I still think about and laugh about every time i'm at a shop, especially ones that are more than 5kms away!

Those long days, however were some of my most productive and the days I am most apprecaitive of. Up until this point in my life, it was always a dream to stay home in a studio, drink wine and cuddle dogs for days on end. I guess I got to tick this off my bucket list. Something happened to me during this time something that has changed my art practice and will forever be a part of me. I realised and came to understand, just how important art was. Not only to me and my well being, but to everyone in thier own way. It really did matter. I had the luxury of uninterupted practice and all the time in the word to experiment, explore, play and well heal. I did it all - watercolours, inks, art classes for kids, 100 day projects, 80 day projects - so much creating. " Tish Willo " was also officially born ( well website and logo offical ) I'm not sure my tech skills have improved much since then ( Current work friends, don't say a word ) but hey you are here for the art, not the tech after all. One of the biggest things that I take away from that time, was the luxury of time to take risks. Creative ones, Business ones, Life ones. There were odd stretches of limited freedom that allowed me to showcase my work in a retail environment, time to visit art galleries completely alone and in awe. Time to paint, print and manufacture art scarves, cushions, cases, bags, decorations etc - you name it, i tried it. To every single one of you that bought a case, uses a bag still, pulls out the colourful scarf in winter, or sits with a vino on the couch cushion. THANK YOU. The support and belief in my wares, was and is absolutely everything to me. My world changed in March 2020. Relationships changed. Friendships fizzed out, while others were firmly cemented in a special bond that was the " 5km radius " or the " Skype chat " My love of tea, beer and wine was another relationship that was secured for all time. But the most important relationship of all, was the one I had with myself. Myself and my art. One, which I now understand. Looking back, I don't completely recognise the person that I was then. She was a work in progress, as were the creations. She did all the hard yards, to get me and my practice where I am today. I'll be forever greatful for her. So "today" me and "future" me thanks "past" me for it all and for the life that was nutured during lock down. Peace and Art as always Tish xx #ArtMatters P.S let me know what your favourite "Shape" snack is - if its not Chedders, well I'm not sure we can be friends. Kidding. You do you!

P.S 2 - If you were a member of the Melbourne lock club, or any lock down - I'd love to know how your creative process has changed over the last five years.

#Melbournelockdown #COVID19 #Lockdownart #5years #artmatters #artblog