Patrick Thompson Discusses the Effect of the Pandemic on Local Artists.

As the pandemic approaches the two-year mark, many of us are being challenged in ways we had not thought possible. With changing restrictions and canceled events directly affecting their livelihoods, some local artists are finding ways to reinvent themselves during this time. La Pêche Media reached PAF president, Patrick Thompson, in Thailand, where he is currently completing a new project.

I asked Patrick how he thought art could help people to traverse this crisis and ultimately to feel more well.

"I think, when you look at places in the world that have suffered through this kind of thing forever—lack of resources, isolation, lack of connection, distance between people—those are really good places to derive inspiration, and I think very beautiful, amazing art comes from isolation." 

He further clarified that he believes there is a direct connection between depression and inspiration, and that one of the healthy things he has witnessed during Covid and isolation is people finding more time to dive deeply into their craft or take up new pursuits. 

"The kind of opportunities that lay in this strange time in history are amazing, and I think that when you look at all the cool problem-solving opportunities that people have stumbled upon...that's where art really shines a light back on us."

He emphasized that our municipality is particularly fortunate because of the natural abundance and the many artists who have chosen to make their lives here.

"There are so many amazing minds in the area...but what we need is the community's engagement and involvement in the steering of what the organization can become."