Lockdown might have been tedious but it was also a wellspring for creativity.
With our days spent at home sheltering ourselves from the spread of the virus, many of us turned our efforts to tasks and activities we often had little time to do when everyday life is so busy. For Fraser Coast artist Kym Latter, utilising her passion for creating art from reclaimed materials, this moment in the world’s history was an opportunity to create, connect and share pieces of art with the creation of her Isolation Beetle Project.
It united people isolated due to COVID-19; regardless of their age, gender, race, location or creative ability. Simply, Kym challenged her Facebook followers to create a different beetle each day for one month, utilising prompts that she had set. Wherever possible participants were required to use recycled and repurposed materials eg the cardboard from a toilet roll, sticks, bubble wrap, cardboard from cereal packets etc
With over 500 followers jumping onto the challenge, the group quickly become a space to connect with other like-minded people all over the world. Applying for a Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant allowed Kym to exhibit her Isolation Beetles at Gatakers Art Space. Whilst she affectionately chose not to sell any, the quirky works were received well by the public. Without the RADF funding, this wonderful artistic concept that reflected not just great art, but also human resilience through creativity would not have been possible.
Article from Our Fraser Coast Scene (by Fraser Coast Regional Council)
Isolation Beetle Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/isolationbeetleproject
