![]() Loneliness is on the rise in Australia, I imagine we are not alone, and it is happening globally. It is not fussy about your age or gender According to the APS (Australian Psychological Society) one in four Australians feel lonely. During the 2020 and beyond lockdowns, this number may have been significantly higher. There is a plethora of information and statistics on the internet regarding loneliness and it’s mental, physical and health factors. The facts are frightening. I know when I moved to Melbourne coming up now 27 years ago, I didn’t know anyone. There wasn’t any family here, initially there weren’t any work colleagues, it was me on my Pat Malone. I found the loneliness extreme for the first three months. It was a fight to keep mentally positive. To meet new people, I attended courses such as photography and golf lessons. Each of them got me out of the house and meeting new people. It was an opportunity to break the isolation factor. Recently, I was running one of my art classes and, it caused me to think back to my own efforts to fight loneliness. I listened as the conversation hit a crescendo of multiple conversations, laughter and connection. Could art classes help the loneliness epidemic? Could those few hours each week, create deeper connections, could they foster a feeling of community and belonging? I believe it can. Those few hours of sitting in a room with likeminded individuals, deep in thought, or sharing titbits of daily life, recommendations of a movie or recipe, or a glimpse into family life, as you create, paint, and draw, transport you into another world. Does a world of connection and creativity, enjoying a new hobby or interest, come from those regular art classes? What re your thoughts? Do you think art and art classes could help with the loneliness epidemic? Please leave your comments below. Featured Artwork: Cityscape on the River
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![]() I am an over packer. I am the one who has the 'just in case' or 'extra for someone else' type of person. I can't help myself, I do it wherever I go whenever I go. I am guilty of this misdemeanor when I go out to our monthly paint outs. I add a few extras for anyone that may have left something at home or a new person who wasn't sure what to bring. Suddenly, my backpack is filled with extra items, I don't use and generally no one else does either. So... last month I decided it was time to take the plunge and cull what wasn't required and scale down to a more manageable kit. I looked long and hard at what I really needed and set about setting up a new kit. Firstly, I changed from a large backpack to a sling bag. I now need to fit everything into it, leaving room for my purse, phone and keys. This is such a great grab and go kit. This is now what I carry:
Only last weekend, I headed out for our monthly paint out, with my chair slung over my shoulder, my sling bag filled with my kit and a coffee in hand, I was set for a joyous scaled down morning. Do you have a special kit for your en plein air excursions? Feel free to share your recommendations in the comments below. |
AuthorLee Cummins is a mixed media artist, workshop and art class facilitator. Archives
January 2025
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