The creative and self-employed sector have felt the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.
“I am the owner and founder of Art Club – delivering creative classes to the community. Obviously, as soon as schools closed I had to shut the doors too. We had nearly 100 attendees ranging in age from 6 to 86. I missed teaching so much so to keep myself occupied, I began creating my own work.
Due to our situation (not unique) I ended up on BBC news at 10, as the voice of the self-employed! We are just about managing financially with Universal Credit, free school meal vouchers etc. but my goodness it’s not easy. Our lives have been turned completely upside down.”
Angela wanted to do something to help the NHS, and painted an artwork for a staff relaxation room at Stepping Hill hospital. “It took me about 4 days to paint. My large canvas is called ‘LOVE’ and from the feedback I get it evokes peace, tranquillity and escapism but most of all LOVE. I absolutely adored painting it, it kept me motivated, knowing where it would end up”.
Artwork © Angela Lock, 2020
