171

When COVID descended upon us, my world shifted. I lost my job teaching, the Y closed and my drawing group was suspended. But I could still work; losing myself for hours at a time, normalcy in increments. “One Lone Bird - Dusk in the City” was the first in a series of paintings in which I could express all those emotions bottled up inside; isolation, loneliness, fear, rage, confusion and turmoil. This painting was intended to be graphic, stark and to address my growing apprehension that the city appeared to be deserted. I intended to represent the scene at dusk to symbolize a passing into darkness. Interestingly, some who have seen the painting have commented that they prefer to think of it as a dawning. Still, my cup remains half empty.

Karen Frey

blumule@att.net