One of my biggest goals this year is to become an internationally recognised oil painting artist, despite the global shutdown we are currently experiencing.
I am a firm believer in avoiding the urge to give in to fear and the uncertainty that comes with it. It’s for this reason that I will continue to stay focussed on the goals that I put into place before this all unfolded.
South African Oil Painting Artist
As South Africa moves through the 21-day lockdown period, I feel it’s important to check in with ourselves and all that we aimed to achieve this year.
Although these are scary times, we have been given an unusual opportunity to gather our thoughts and find new ways of going about our daily lives.
After some reflection, I realised that I can either use my energy to panic, or I can use that energy to fuel creativity, gratitude, and love.
I understand that we are not all painters or artists, but there are so many ways to get creative during the lockdown period and we should take this opportunity to discover and explore what gives us joy.
Time moves so fast and this could be an excellent opportunity to slow down and appreciate what we have and to spend quality time with our loved ones.
It has been truly heart-warming to see how the people of South Africa have come together in unity to help each other.
I have utmost appreciation for the front-line workers and healthcare professionals who are putting their own lives at risk to help others.
This is an opportunity to re-evaluate what it important to us, and what we value the most. Are we putting money, fame and material possessions at the top of our priority list?
Or, are we making time to spend with our family and loved ones in gratitude for what we have? These are important questions that we should take this time to ask ourselves.
I want my art to bring light into this world, I want to paint in colour in a dark world today. Let’s try again to have love, because love casts out fear and love is complete.
I believe this is a broken world and we need to care for one another, maybe that’s a sign from our God above.
Coronavirus Safety Tips
Although cultivating a positive mindset during this time is crucial to our well-being, it’s still important to acknowledge the reality of COVID-19 and how it is impacting the world around us.
Therefore, I have put together a list of things we should all be doing to stay safe during this time.
Social Distancing
Obviously, this has become easier with the impending lockdown, but when it becomes necessary to leave our homes, make sure you keep a safe distance between yourself and others.
Also, it’s absolutely crucial that we do not leave our homes unless it’s absolutely necessary. In doing so, we directly contribute to flattening the curve.
Hygiene
Make sure to wash or sanitise your hands as often as possible. When coughing or sneezing, make sure to do so into a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
Avoid physical contact with anyone such as hand-shakes or hugs, even though greeting people with a hug is and integral part of being South African.
Seek Medical Care
If you or a loved one are experiencing any symptoms, contact your trusted healthcare professional immediately.
Also, if you would like to know if you meet the criteria for someone who should get tested, there is a national hotline number (0800029999) that you can call for telephonic screening.
Comply with Restrictions
The authorities have put extremely strict measures into place as a means to protect us. It’s up to us to adhere to these restrictions so that we can work together to stop the spread of COVID-19 as quickly as possible.
Teresa Decinti – Oil Painting Artist in South Africa
Since returning from Italy, the doors to my art gallery in Stellenbosch have been closed and will remain closed until further notice.
However, this will not mean that I will stop painting my heart out. Instead, I will be spending time on developing a more comprehensive online platform to share my art with the world.
So, if you are interested in my paintings for sale, or if you would like to learn more about how I plan to combat the COVID-19 stresses, please feel free to contact me.
I would also love to hear from you about how you are spending your days during the lockdown; let’s create a community of sharing ideas and positive encouragement so we can all get through this and come out on top of it all!