The COVID-19 pandemic has put creatives nationwide in a rut. While being confined in their own spaces for 11 months (and counting), hearing devastating news left and right, and restlessly waiting for a miracle at this point—Benildean artists face the harsh effects of burnout.
One of the effects the pandemic has caused is the heavy damage to the art industry. Multiple companies worldwide from both visual and performing arts have shifted their passion projects virtually. Filipino artists have joined the movement as well. From establishing websites, webinars, and virtual events to showcase their works, their burning passions are kept alive despite facing a prolonged isolation.
Using art as a means of escapism and finding inspiration in the most difficult of times, these Benildean artists prove that creating and making art heal their souls—ironically, the very thing that drains them also fulfills them as an artist and as an individual.
Survivors of creative burnout
In continuing to create art and content during the pandemic, let's catch up with the different experiences of the following Benildean artists in an interview with The Benildean.
ID 119 Arts Management student and content creator Kahlil Alcala pointed out that he struggled with creating art at the start of quarantine. For him, it was a journey to get his groove back amidst the uncertainties of the situation.
“Even though it felt like I had a lot of time, I tried not to pressure myself to create art because I knew it would only result in burnout,” he expressed, imploring that focusing on other interests and allowing oneself to explore other things beyond art help in enriching senses—adding depth and passion to one’s works.
Finding a place for fashion design during a pandemic, ID 119 Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) student and Stage Production Operations Team’s costume designer Kristine Tayo mentioned she utilizes art to release all of her frustrations. And in trying to find inspiration by going outside and exploring the wonders of nature, her motivation still sometimes staggers.
“It was so hard for me staying inspired and motivated to create art especially with this kind of setup. All I see everyday is the same thing,” expressing that making art during the pandemic is a struggle, but she continues to push herself to create. “Nandoon pa rin ‘yung spark sa loob ko to continue creating art,” Tayo added.
Though having to face a myriad of challenges at the start of the quarantine, 118 Architecture student and Saint Benilde Romançon Dance Company (SBRDC) member Juan Gabriel Villarosa took advantage of the time to reflect and rest. Now armored with a profound cause, he eventually rose to his feet and continued creating art.
“That moment of getting back up inspired me to create and share more art with even better and a more sincere goal of inspiring others.”
Believing that great artists can adapt to anything, Villarosa also impels others to take it easy, reminding them that though artists have the duty to inspire people, it is also necessary to have other passions to get inspiration from. “Now that we are in a quarantine, explore around your homes, there will always be a story to tell, [...] art is infinite and timeless,” he advised.
With the gift of the gab, being an events host and content creator came quite naturally for 119 Consular and Diplomatic Affairs (CDA) and Benildean Student Envoys (BSE) member Cyril Sanchez. As live events screeched to a halt, he transcended the limitations the pandemic put into place as he found new environments that beckoned the flow of creative juices.
"I think the biggest challenge was shifting this energy into something useful. Eventually this led me back to my passion, discovering [new aspects of] growth and knocking on doors of opportunity," he mentioned.
This extrovert discovered his entrepreneurial streak when a "quaranthing" impulse to renovate his bedroom with plants led to the conception of “Muntingsibol”—a home styling service which boasts the essential and rare plants he has to offer. Circumventing stagnation, Sanchez delved into creating DIY videos on YouTube at the start of lockdown.
After a few weeks, an opportunity arrived. "I received an email from Tiktok where I was invited to become a Tiktok Educator in their #LearnOnTiktok campaign,” he shared.
If one had to run before learning to walk, then this media savvy Benildean has surely taken flight with his new stint as an ambassador of Candy Magazine as a Candy Rookie (Batch Four) as the year began.
Life beyond art
By taking the time to breathe, to focus on reflecting, and to let the creative juices flow naturally, these Benildean artists encourage everyone to search and explore new things outside one’s comfort zone, as well as stop pressuring themselves to be productive everyday as prioritizing one’s mental health is a handful job as it is.
In truly finding the “art” of getting by at the time of a pandemic—one must inherently strive to survive, keep going, and take things one step at a time. More importantly, live life to the best of their capabilities until better days can be within reach.
