I don’t think you will find a single artist during the pandemic who didn’t have some of the most conflicting feelings about where they stand in their creative process. Not that I had perfect intentions or defined lines, to begin with before Covid.

The last year has been a rollercoaster of indecision, and in that confusion, a plethora of self-reflection in empty space. Having lived in the Ocean state for as long as I have now (going on 8 years now), there was no better way to escape and rest my thoughts than to revisit childhood feelings and roots; Fishing.

I mean, with most places of business not open, almost no traffic, and having to be stuck indoors most of the time, what better way to social distance than to be in the middle of nowhere rock flats on the Ocean, or on some small quiet pond from the kayak, right?

I poured all my passion into getting started again. Watched fishing videos on specific techniques, how the tides work and have that optimizing fishing experiences, the different kinds of species for the region, and how to specifically target them year-round. The best times to look for particular types of fish, where they live, tracking and locating them. I bought multiple rods and reels, countless lures and bait, line, tackle boxes, waders, dry attire, a kayak, licenses, storage racks. With my ability to Collab on projects being taken away, I just wanted to throw myself into something new that wasn’t art-making.

With all this free time, It also gave way to reconnect with my Dad for the first time in 6 years. I don’t talk about my past too often as it’s a lot to still process to this day, but my family life growing up was not the best, and my father was the root of almost all that pain. After years of abuse and many years of denial on his part, I cut him out. It was only until my grandfather was dying of Liver Cancer for him to put his life into perspective (Which I did a series on HERE), enough for him to realize that one’s pride and ego is less important than making peace with your mistakes and apologizing to the ones you hurt along the way.

Countless hours from the shore and in the deeps, sometimes multiple full days at a time. Battered and cracked hands from handling fish and line, bruised and bloodied legs from climbing around slippery salt-stained shores. Days of pure joy and excitement, and other days of pure defeat and exhaustion. Every scar, dinged-up lure, rod gashes, and sand-filled boots is a reminder of the real dedication and passion I have stored away, as well as the memories, new friends, and cool acquaintances I have made along the way.

Some might things it’s pretty out there to travel over 5000 miles in one year, and spend more than half that year hours-wise swinging a piece of carbon fiber around. The reason I write this is that today marks my one year anniversary pushing myself to this limit with just, well, just a hobby, but not just about the Hobby, the big lesson it taught me during this time;

Perspective

Perspective that life is truly sacred and we only get one chance to live the lives we want, so it’s important to do what we want today, because there may not be a tomorrow.

Perspective that the world around us, regardless of all the pain and flaws of it Pre and Post Covid have brought us, is an amazing and wild place to explore, and whatever excuse you can make to go out and experience it, there is no better time than now.

Perspective that taking time to practice patience is an underrated attribute, and taking time to stew with our thoughts to understand what really makes us tick is vital for our own personal growth.

Perspective on where I want to go with my photography work. My best skill sets and where I shine, the future projects and spaces I want to work in, and glaring holes in my business I still need to work on.

And lastly, and most important,

Perspective that no matter how down I get on the art I create, where I am at this point in my life, and where and what the future has in store for me, I have all the willpower and drive I need to pursue anything I want with this one life I am given.

Foggy Night at Festival Pier - Pawtucket, RI - September 2020

Question for those who got this far:

What was one positive experience you had during the Pandemic that made you feel like you grew as a person? Comment below!

As always, if you enjoy my work or content, please check out my social links on the banner below.

Blog

Post Pandemic Clarity