by Jeremy Davis, reporter
OMAHA – COVID-19 has affected a lot of people, including local artists in Omaha. It is difficult for artists to stay inspired but that has not stopped Natori Pittman from following their goal to one day have their art displayed at the Joslyn Art Museum.
“It is like especially hard now, though, usually when I had those art block moments I would just go outside or go talk to someone, and COVID-19 has everyone living as hermits,” said Pittman.
Pittman says the issue caused by COVID-19 is not with finding the right supplies for artists but the ability to buy the better materials. Having decreased hours at work, Pittman works on commissions but there is not a whole lot of people who have the money to buy commissions right now.
“It also kind of pushed me into a corner because my studio space is technically just a room up at UNO,” said Pittman. “So, I had to figure how to adapt my own bedroom to a studio space but it is not exactly optimal because I have like mineral spirits right next to my bed.”
For many local artists they have decided to start selling their work online due to the complications of COVID-19. By using sites like Depop and Instagram, artists are able to not only sell art locally, but have the ability to market their art to people all around the world. Many artists have benefitted from this, such as Ameri Haurei who has been able to turn their art into a career.
“Since they mandated masks though it has been a lot easier, I guess, but in the grand scheme of things you know like COVID stopped a lot of events from happening like the College World Series,” said Haurei.
Haurei said that they have had difficulties with getting inspiration with not being able to go anywhere but they are thankful for the more time they have had to work on their art.
“It’s a lot of pressure being your boss basically because some months you just don’t feel inspired, and it’s really difficult to come out with those ideas or those items but at the same time you have to realize. I would rather be doing this than anything else,” said Haurei.
