How does an artist respond to something as vast as a pandemic? The worry, isolation, and inability to look to the future with any certainty can motivate or paralyze one’s intentions. I tried to use the long, unstructured days in some kind of productive way, but grappled with mood swings that were unexpectedly high and low. The usual ways of dealing with anxiety weren’t quite enough. The work 'Undulating Moods' was my reaction to realizing that this was something being felt by many and acceptance of this state of mind a necessity. 'Rising Spirits' was an attempt to tap into a sense of hope even while not necessarily feeling it. If I created an image that expressed optimism, would I be able to feel it? The creation of art asks many questions to both the viewer and the artist who creates it. In both cases these images are a response to an emotional state of mind I felt best said in a non-literal way.