From Los Angeles with Love
Let's All Share The Love ♥
Today we are bringing you Love from Los Angeles, CA, where Nina Klein lives and works. The City of Angels, known for its six lanes freeway and endless traffic jams came to a grinding halt literally overnight.
As California slowly starts re-opening its economy, Nina reflects on the lock down, its impact on the the underprivileged and on her practice.
From LA with Love
by Nina Klein
How are things in Los Angeles, Nina?
Los Angeles which is normally bustling with traffic and vibrant energy is eerily quiet. This is a different LA.
Economic concerns and societal health needs loom over the city unlike any time past. Many people are stuck choosing between paying rent or buying food and affording health insurance. I think the pandemic exposes a hugely flawed and unsustainable system that is being forced to change inevitably.
People in LA take social distancing very seriously which I am grateful for. There aren’t a lot of people outside which is evident in the amount of traffic on the streets. Angelenos are mandated to wear masks outside of their homes when doing essential shopping and most comply.
The pandemic exposes a hugely flawed and unsustainable system…
How does the situation affect your everyday life?
As an artist, I’m accustomed to being indoors for long periods of time creating work, so I adapted to the situation quickly. The quarantine made me examine how I live my life day to day. I am completely aware of my consumption now and have become much more mindful of my actions. I plan my grocery runs more efficiently, and conserve items so I don’t need to go out as often. Also, because of social distancing, I now use FaceTime a lot more to connect with friends and family. In some ways, I feel like the pandemic has brought us closer together even though we are separated physically.
Moreover, the Coronavirus has definitely affected my larger plans. For many months I was working toward a solo show with Uncommon Beauty Gallery scheduled for May. The show is now postponed until September. I was also scheduled to have a limited edition merchandise collaboration with Boyish Jeans coming out in the Spring, which is now postponed to a later date.
This is a different LA…
Can you tell us more about your feelings?
I feel sad knowing that so many people are suffering financially and health-wise. It’s tragic to hear about the Covid-related deaths and how many people are in hospitals fighting for their lives.
Despite the frustrations I have, I feel optimistic that people will adjust and grow from this experience. We are resilient. Hopefully, this experience teaches us to be mindful of our consumption and to lead more sustainable lives.
Finally, how does all that influence your Art practice?
Now that I’m working from home in my apartment and sharing the space with my husband, I’m aware of the room I have to create. This means I’m making smaller pieces in the limited space I have.
My recent paintings of abstract human forms reflect my awareness of the space we all occupy and our fluctuating emotional states. My recent piece “Waves” observes my own response to uncertainty as an oscillation of feeling optimism and discomfort.
We have just added to our shop two original brand new artworks, inspired by Nina’s home confinement. Waves and The virgin mary are featured below.
Waves
by Nina
The Virgin Mary
by Nina