When everything gets back to…normal?
We adapt. That is how human beings have survived for countless generations. Weather. Disease. Technology. Social change. Whatever “Life” (in quotes and with a capital L) has thrown at us, we adapt in order to survive and, hopefully, grow. However, nothing like this pandemic has impacted many of us in our lifetimes. While the horrific tragedy of 9/11 remains ever present in our minds, our parents and grandparents could quote Pearl Harbor. This is something…more!
We assume, quite rationally, that medical science will eventually get a handle on this for the sake of our species, a vaccine will be developed, and we will return to something approximating the way we lived prior. Likely, there will be changes, alterations. And what will they be and how will they impact artists?
Social distancing may still be a kind of standard, except for the younger generation who truly believe that close proximity in a drinking establishment is vital. The Handshake as a method of greeting may go by the wayside. Self-service buffets in restaurants and hotels may vanish. There might be a greater percentage of people continuing to work from home as businesses recognize rent and utilities cut into profit margins.
What happens to the artist?
Musicians thrive on interaction with audiences. Whether it is an arena, stadium, or small coffeehouse, the feeling of a shared musical experience vastly exceeds simply wearing wireless ear buds.
4K UHD representations of paintings do not compare with standing before a magnificent work that almost seems to be alive and reaching out to you as much as you are connecting with it.
And the writer, along with the commensurate book signings and writers conferences, where rubbing elbows and schmoozing are vital. Because, after all, writers tend to write about people and the source of their inspiration is right before them, not on a screen of some kind.
This is still a long tunnel we are traversing. There is always a light to be seen, currently the briefest of glimmers. No amount of creative thought can prepare us for what will be on the other side. I can assure you, however, most artists will continue to create and reach out. That is the greatest thing they can offer.
