The Covid Chronicles

During the pandemic, I sent postcard-sized prints of the Covid Chronicles to anyone who asked with the condition that they answer a question related to the print. The graphic nature of print and its ability to capture exacting detail made the Covid Chronicles read like tarot cards. Viewers responded to my written prompts and had visual reminders of the pandemic with which to make meaning. The conversations that transpired helped me metabolize the pandemic. I received responses capturing moments of resilience, mutual aid, beauty, humor, and pain. The book is 42 pages of prints, writing, and responses. 

The Covid Chronicles (1/12 – 12/12), 2023
hand-bound artist book, hand-colored laser prints, relief print cover
8.5 x 14 inches, 42 pages

Questions

01. What was an act of kindness you experienced during the pandemic?

02. What was one thing you realized you could live without?

03. In what ways were your eyes opened? What can you not unsee?

04. With our world turned upside down, what new routines did you create?

05. What was one good news headline that inspired you?

06. What personal, local or national changes make you hopeful?

07. This is a moment to reflect on what we lost. If sharing feels appropriate please do. 

08. How did you keep your sense of humor?

09. What foods make you think of the pandemic?

10. What broke you from your repetition and surprised you most during the pandemic? Pleasant surprises included.

11. How did you fill your time? Did you make anything? Renovate? Make progress towards a mental health or physical goal? 

12. If you could tell your pre-pandemic self something to help prepare what would you say?

13. How does the CDC and our president win back people's trust in science and government?

14. How long did you initially think the pandemic would last?

15. When did you declare your freedom from the pandemic? What did you do?

16. What have you accepted as normal that you wouldn't have pre-pandemic?

17. Do you feel prepared for the next epidemic?

Excerpts from the responses to the Covid Chronicles questions
March–October 2022

Eyes opened. A fuller picture of what is happening in the world and our interrelatedness... It is important to act wisely with this awareness. Both as an individual and joining with others in some way to address at least some part of the puzzle.

Women in the 2020s are in more positions of power and at the same time never more threatened. 

The teacher was smart and made time for online socializing. The first time the girls  actually met one of their online friends they hugged and cried. To this day they are still besties. They experienced something that will last the rest of their life. 

I will remind myself that I am resourceful and resilient.

As a rite of passage, I completed the 50 step process of making cassoulet.

Normal evolves. Wearing a mask in crowded or closed spaces - no big deal.  In fact, wearing a mask during cold and flu season - is a good idea. It's an okay new normal. Having the option to get groceries and other goods delivered is retro and normal.

I created a small group of good friends from high school and started having monthly-ish zoom calls (which never woulda/coulda happened pre-COVID and Zoom™️!…silver lining for sure). Those calls were great in the days of heavy isolation. Still going…but mostly turned into a nutty group text thread!  

Late night walks - this was a great way to avoid people while still getting exercise outdoors, but we stuck with it even after we felt comfortable with daytime walks. It’s just peaceful, and gives you a new perspective on your surroundings. 

I baked sourdough recipes.

I was surprised by how the pandemic, quarantines, economic disruptions and social justice movements seemed to not touch the rich and if anything make them richer. 

Even when home with just my little family I generally felt more comfortable outside. I grilled throughout the winters, the rain, and in the dark with a headlamp.

Blind trust to people (often politicians) who encourage mayhem and violence.