James Gallagher is an artist based in Brooklyn, New York.
TWS –How are you doing in this Covid-19 pandemic?
JG –Me and the family are all safe and healthy. Going a bit stir crazy stuck in the house. But that’s the worst of it. So I would say we’re doing pretty good.
TWS –Are you being able to telecommute / work from home?
JG –Yes. Thankfully my ‘day job’ as creative director can be done remotely. I work for a university so I’m busy creating a digital commencement experience for the graduating class.
TWS –Did the lock-down affected your creativity and art making? How?
JG –This whole experience has definitely had a positive affect on my creativity. In fact it has practically jump-started it. Not having to leave the house five days a week has allowed me to devote more time and energy to my art. I’ve created a new studio space in our apartment and have been creating plenty of new work. I’ve been participating in virtual life drawing (for me, cutting) sessions every week. And I’ve even had time to rebuild my website, which I’ve been putting off for 6 years! It went live yesterday… check it out and lmk what you think. gallagherstudio.net
TWS –Are you able to track positive moments or things that happened during this crisis so far?
JG –I’ve been thinking about that lately. Despite all of the intensity and all the sadness, I find myself focusing on the small glimpses of positivity. Even though we’re all six feet apart I feel a stronger sense of community in my neighborhood and my building. I feel more connected to my home and my family. I have enjoyed eating meals together, which is something I could never do while commuting to work every day.
TWS –What’s the first thing you would like to do when we can get back to normal?
JG –I can’t wait to get back to supporting our local bars and restaurants and viewing non-digital art in galleries and museums. I’m also dying to get to the gym. But the bar is first!
