ISSUE 6 : APRIL 2020
Cover art by Owen Marshall
Spring is in the air. The days are longer, birds are chirping, some brave bulbs are even poking through the soil—but the seasonal change many of us look forward to is unfolding with an eerie transformation none of us have experienced. We’re all weathering COVID-19 together, and as we search for glimmers of hope amidst uncertainty and worry, we seem to be forging a path that helps affirm a sense of connectedness and community. As cities and countries around the world go into lockdown during this crisis, more and more people are pining for human connection and digging deep to mitigate feelings of isolation. Virtual meetups on laptops and cellphones, online group cocktail hours and potlucks, meditation and support group meetings via video conference, live-streamed living room concerts (perhaps inspired by Italy’s balcony group sing-a-longs) —at a time when physical social interactions increase the risk of spreading the virus, we are all desperate to ground ourselves in a sense of community.
In this time of crisis, we at See Collective hope to continue in our celebration of talent and community both near and far through the art of storytelling. As small business owners and artists take massive hits during this time, we want to stay connected and engaged with the people in our community who may need it most. As we try to process looming feelings of uncertainty and isolation, we believe in looking for silver linings and artful adaptations. Friendship, art, music, laughter, moments that inspire us and remind us of who and what we love—small joys and simple pleasures that can bring us together even when walls divide us. This new season will be a defining moment in how we examine our past. How we act in the present moment will inform and shape our future. We hope this month's newsletter is a breath of fresh a air, a small gesture in the right direction. That perhaps it can join you for tea or coffee in your favourite reading nook, and provide some inspiration for meaningful connection and creative coping.
ESMAA MOHAMOUD
We exchanged words as the African-Canadian artist added finishing touches to her sculpture — a larger than life interpretation of a basketball hoop, tethered by chains and steel. Mohamoud often uses her work to explore identity; erasing the socially constructed lines of gender, To unearth the truth that is buried underneath today’s face on race.
LOCKDOWN MIX
Zara Habib has created a mood relieving, head bopping mix to get us all through quarantine. ‘’To me, music is the primary way to communicate feelings and to seal a particular moment or history inside our memories - I want to share music and lyrics that are soothing and positive, that make me feel joy for music, dance, song, and loving.’’ So whether you're working from home, starting that new project you've been meaning to for ages or just kicking back with a glass of wine, this mix meets every mood.
Try this at home :
Recipes From Our Community
We will be sharing a few recipes (all from local chefs, of course) to help make this the most enjoyable house arrest possible.
NEW MUSIC
It's not every day that you come across a voice like Emanuel’s, let alone discover it in your own backyard. Emanuel is bringing a fresh tone to modern soul — with a sound that integrates the warmth of classic R&B with atmospheric sound beds, unified by notions of love and growing pains.
A LIST OF LOCAL FOOD + DRINK DELIVERY LIST
We have compiled an ever-changing list of local businesses we can all support when so many of our favourite restaurants, shops and other businesses have to close. These businesses are offering services — such as free or low-cost delivery, curbside pickup and takeout.
TOP STORIES
