In conversation with .. 4!

ggggrimes
New York City,
USA
@ggggrimes
It’s been almost 2 months since self-isolation has been enforced worldwide, how are you
feeling?
I’m feeling a lot better these days than I was even three weeks ago. Being in isolation has
made me examine a lot about myself and deal with some demons I was avoiding. It turns
out being nice to yourself during a global pandemic is pretty necessary and worth working
on. I’m scared for the world, for my friends and family, and for my community, but I’ve
been doing my best to manage my anxiety through inner trauma work.
What have you been doing to pass your time in quarantine?
I’ve been playing Animal Crossing, watching movies, learning how to mix cocktails,
working projects that make me happy, and spending less time online. I’ve been doing a lot
more than that, but I think that’s a pretty good summary.
How has the situation affected your work?
I’ve been more strategic with making money. I’m doing all the same things I was doing
last year, but the time frame is entirely different because of necessity. Projects that I
would have done over a month last year I’m doing over a week. I have more sales, and I’m
fortunate, but it’s a result of way more work than I’m used to. I’m feeling overwhelmed.
People are online more often too, so more people are interacting with me than I’m used to.
As an Instagram artist, my job involves so many different aspects that are all in overload
right now because of how communication has changed since COVID hit western countries.
Do you have a day-to-day lockdown routine?
My girlfriend and I always start the day having breakfast together. We have coffee and
watch a TV show while eating, usually with our cat sitting right next to us on the couch.
We have lunch together and dinner together, and we’ve been trying to have dessert too.
Anything else we do in the day changes and is up to us, but it’s been so amazing sharing
meals with my partner. I’m used to our breakfast routine, and it feels very natural and
grounding.
Have any unexpected benefits come out of this situation for you?
I wouldn’t call the positive things that are still happening benefits. I hope we can come out
of this situation with social reforms that help people since our systems are clearly all the
way fucked up, particularly in the US. I live in New York right now. It’s the only place I’ve
lived in my life. I was born and raised here. It’s painful watching how things have become
when living here was already a struggle for its poor residents. We can’t even get a rent
freeze here. I’m glad for the people (including myself) who get to use this time to better
themselves and pursue passions, but that’s not a benefit. More than anything, at least for
me, it’s a way to cope with this reality.
What do you wish for the future?
I wish that governments would take care of their people. I wish people would care about the
safety of others more.
Where can we buy your art?
My website is ggggrimes.com :)
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