Arts·COVID Residencies

On a B.C. island, repetition helps this sculptor deal with her COVID-19 anxiety

Susannah Montague is always a detailed sculptor, but these tiny pieces of bone china are taking her work to a new (self-soothing) level.

These tiny pieces of bone china are taking Susannah Montague’s work to a new (self-soothing) level

On a B.C. island, repetition helps this sculptor deal with her COVID-19 anxiety

5 years ago
Duration 2:59
During isolation on Bowen Island, B.C., artist Susannah Montague uses repetitive motion to soothe anxiety - and create new art

In our self-shot video series COVID Residencies, we're checking out how artists are adapting their practices in isolation, whether it's diving into different processes or getting lost in their sketchbooks.

A while back, we brought you the story of ceramic sculptor Susannah Montague. On Bowen Island, B.C., Montague usually makes ornate (and sometimes dark) works, letting barnacles fasten to them when she submerges them in the sea.

Now, though, working in her usual way feels a bit overwhelming as she thinks about the resources available on her island and what to do if her family requires medical assistance. It's an anxiety-inducing series of ruminations, so Montague has shifted her art practice to help her cope with the realities of life during social isolation.

(Susannah Montague)

In this video, you'll see what she's developed as a self-care strategy: working small bits of clay in her hand, pressing them into scalloped shapes that layer onto her sculptures. The results are a lush, physical manifestation of her efforts to be calm.

Follow Susannah Montague here and keep a lookout for the stories we're bringing you from other artists in isolation as part of COVID Residencies. Stay safe, friends!

(Susannah Montague)

CBC Arts understands that this is an incredibly difficult time for artists and arts organizations across this country. We will do our best to provide valuable information, share inspiring stories of communities rising up and make us all feel as (virtually) connected as possible as we get through this together. If there's something you think we should be talking about, let us know by emailing us at cbcarts@cbc.ca. See more of our COVID-related coverage here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lise Hosein is a producer at CBC Arts. Before that, she was an arts reporter at JazzFM 91, an interview producer at George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight and a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto. When she's not at her CBC Arts desk she's sometimes an art history instructor and is always quite terrified of bees.

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