By Colter Ruland
Barbara Cole is a Toronto-based artist whose voice and vision couldn’t be more needed during this time of uncertainty. Known for her underwater photography that depicts figures suspended within shadowy waters, her body of work speaks to the transformative nature of identity and the conquest of rising through adversity. I asked her about what it’s like being an artist during COVID-19, how it’s impacted her work, and what advice she has to take care of yourself.
The COVID-19 outbreak is on everyone’s minds. What role do you think you have as an artist when everyone seems to be panicking about events beyond our control?
Art has a way of taking us outside of ourselves and helps us to connect with each other. Visual art is a conduit for a shared experience that goes beyond words and sounds. In this particular time, artists need to think out of the box and present their art in new creative ways. Galleries are closing their doors so social media and video and YouTube are even more important.
Has the outbreak presented any specific challenges for you and your work? If so, what are they and what can be done to create art in a time such as this?
Specifically a large vernissage that was to open in March has been postponed. There was a lot of work from many sides that went into this and so I find this understandable but nonetheless challenging. Instead, however, we are all working hard to quickly find novel and creative ways to engage and show the public this work. The result is a virtual tour that I hope you all take the time to visit and learn more about my work.
During times of national emergency, some might wonder about the relevancy of art in their lives. What do you think that role should be?
The arts are where we tell stories in ways that help us feel connected and human. Art—both the making and exhibiting—takes us out of our day to day. I believe that art is always relevant in that it’s a special language that people engage in to express feelings and thoughts they never knew they had. Art helps us to understand each other and the nature of our lives.
How are you taking care of yourself during this time?
If my creative needs are taken care of, then I am emotionally well-balanced. At the moment, since all of my work involves people, that’s hard to do. I realized how important it is to be flexible.There is always something I can do. I am enjoying my dog, Barney, and my husband and the fresh air a lot. Watching the season change. Taking the dog on his daily walks seems to help with the inertia of this in-between moment, and I can usually focus myself for the day ahead. For the community, I’m trying to post helpful information regarding mental health tips on Instagram and helping out with my neighbours when I can.
For more, visit her website here and be sure to follow her on Instagram @barbaracoleart
You can also view her virtual exhibition here