Project ArtBeat: Daily Routine of Georgian Artist Beso Uznadze During Covid-19
Project ArtBeat is a contemporary art gallery based in Tbilisi. They've decided to ask artists what their daily routine is like during the pandemic and how the respond it creatively. Gallery Artbeat interviewed Georgian artist, Beso Uznadze.
Gallery Artbeat: Can you tell us about your daily routine during COVID-19?
My daily routine during COVID 19 is pretty much the same as it was before this pandemic. I’m not an early bird so my day starts at about 10 am with a cup of coffee, which helps me to get rid off negative feelings and thoughts caused by the news from TV and social media and get ready for my day. Then I walk upstairs back to my studio, which is my bedroom as well and start. And I paint until the evening when it gets dark. Time goes by very fast, especially in the process of painting. I isolate myself from the outside world while working. I don’t like to be distracted by anyone or anything so I try to ignore phone-calls until I’m done or having a break. When the painting is done for the day, then I have to force myself to do my five Tibetan rights. These are exercises I’ve been doing for almost all of the last six years. And then maybe I get out of the house for a walk.
Gallery Artbeat: How have the unforeseen circumstances affected/inspired your artistic practice and how have you chosen to respond creatively?
When I run out of materials, the only way to get them is to order online. In ordinary times, it takes days for them to be delivered. Now even longer. While waiting I have learned: stop and think, be patient and figure out how to create something with very few left-overs.
Gallery Artbeat: One habit that you will change after the quarantine?
Nothing that I can think of right now.
Gallery Artbeat: Is there anything new you found out about yourself during self-isolation?
To be an introvert that's what I found out about myself. I love my alone time and I need that alone time to “recharge” – which is essentially the definition of it.
Gallery Artbeat: What do you miss the most?
Getting up very early for my flight. Road to the airport. "Pret A manger" sandwich at the airport. arriving at my final destination and seeing people that I love!
Gallery Artbeat: How do you think our lives will change?
That is a very tricky question. the world seems up-side down. They say that coronavirus will change our lives permanently. A crisis on this scale can reorder society in dramatic ways, for better or worse. And I do hope for better!