Items

• 2021-05-17

  Pandemic dissertation

  When the pandemic first began, I, like many others, was thrown into a state of limbo. Libraries closed, archives became inaccessible, and academic conferences—those crucial opportunities for feedback, networking, and camaraderie—were suddenly canceled or pushed online. My dissertation project, which had centered around Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Victorian women’s classical education, felt fragile, threatened by the collapse of the usual avenues for research. How was I supposed to dive deep into historical sources when I couldn’t even access a physical library? But amid the chaos, something shifted. Forced to work from home, I began to realize just how interconnected the process of writing a dissertation truly was, even during a time when the rest of the world was shut down. The acknowledgments section of my dissertation reflects the way that this work, which I had once seen as intensely personal and individual, was, in reality, a collaborative effort. Writing may have happened alone at my desk, but the project was supported by a network of people whose contributions, both large and small, made the completion of this dissertation possible, especially during such an uncertain time. Foremost among them was my partner, who became my steadfast companion not just in life but in the daily challenges of academic work during the pandemic. Whether it was keeping me company during virtual museum tours, discussing the nuances of classical scholarship, or simply offering a comforting presence during long days of writing, her support was invaluable. The pandemic forced us to slow down, to turn inward, and in doing so, it also made space for deeper conversations about our work, our passions, and the ways in which scholarship could help us make sense of a world in upheaval. My friends, too, became an essential part of my pandemic dissertation journey. With travel restrictions and lockdowns in place, we turned to virtual spaces to connect, spending time together in ways we hadn’t before. Thanksgiving in 2020, for example, was spent on Zoom, sharing stories, laughter, and academic frustrations as we navigated this strange new world together. In the midst of a global crisis, these friendships provided a sense of normalcy, a reminder that even though we were physically apart, we were still there for each other, helping to keep one another grounded. One of the greatest challenges during this period was the sudden loss of access to physical archives and libraries. As someone whose research depended on Victorian newspapers, letters, and rare books, the closure of these resources was daunting. However, the tireless work of librarians—unsung heroes of the academic world—ensured that my research didn’t grind to a halt. Despite the limitations imposed by the pandemic, these professionals went above and beyond, tracking down digital copies of materials, recommending alternative sources, and, in some cases, mailing documents directly to me. The importance of their work became more evident than ever. Without their help, my dissertation could not have moved forward. My dissertation committee, too, played a critical role in helping me navigate this challenging period. Transitioning to remote work and online defenses, they remained steadfast in their support, providing invaluable feedback and guidance throughout the writing process. Their adaptability and encouragement, even when it came to working within the constraints of a global pandemic, reminded me that scholarship is always an evolving process, and that sometimes the most creative solutions come in times of difficulty. Interestingly, the isolation brought on by the pandemic deepened my connection to the subject matter of my dissertation. Elizabeth Barrett Browning, a woman whose passion for classical education placed her at the margins of the male-dominated academic world, had faced similar challenges in her pursuit of scholarship. Her determination to learn Greek, her insistence on participating in intellectual conversations from which she was often excluded, and her role in advocating for women’s education resonated more strongly as I grappled with the limitations imposed on my own work during this time. Browning’s struggles, once confined to the past, felt strangely contemporary in a world where isolation, restricted access, and the need for perseverance had become the norm. As I worked on my dissertation, I also began to see how the pandemic was shaping my understanding of academia itself. What had once seemed like a solitary endeavor—this long, arduous process of researching, writing, and revising—was revealed to be deeply communal. The pandemic forced me to rely on others in ways I hadn’t anticipated, and in doing so, it opened my eyes to the collaborative nature of scholarship. Whether it was through the support of my partner and friends, the assistance of librarians and my committee, or the inspiration drawn from the work of past scholars like Elizabeth Barrett Browning, this dissertation became a testament to the power of community, even in times of isolation. The COVID-19 pandemic altered the way we lived, worked, and connected with each other. For those of us working in academia, it presented challenges that sometimes felt insurmountable. But it also offered a profound reminder of the importance of resilience, creativity, and the communities that sustain us. Writing my dissertation during this time was not just about completing a degree; it was about finding new ways to connect with others, drawing on the past to make sense of the present, and discovering that even in isolation, we are never truly alone.
• 
  2020-08-26

  The ED Musos

  The ED Musos are a group of health care workers from Emergency Departments in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, the UK and the USA. We came together for connection and wellbeing during the pandemic. We made this and other videos in our own time. We send love and support to everyone impacted by COVID-19.
• 
  2021-02-25

  The Role of Community Gardens During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  The pandemic has brought the issues of food insecurity and the fragility of our food system to the forefront. This article discusses how household food insecurity disproportionately affects lower-income families and Black and Hispanic communities. Community gardens are one way to address these issues, providing mental health benefits, social and emotional support, and public health benefits during the pandemic.
• 
  2021-05-09

  Theatre Workshop presents: The Essential Bronx - COVID Stories, Part 2

  We have preserved in this short film a selection of Theatre Workshop students' authentic experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and we want to share these stories with you.
• 
  2020-08-30

  The Together While Apart Art Project

  I want to share a beautiful story about hope, healing and creativity during the pandemic that originated here in Charleston, South Carolina. It is about how 20 artists from 8 different states got together from afar while physically separated to spread joy and happiness through a large art collaboration. There was no other goal than simply wanting to heal our world.   The Together While Apart Art Project grew from a desire to combat the sadness and isolation that was prevalent during the pandemic. Twenty artists from over 8 states got together from afar to use their creative gifts to collaborate on one large work of art. What is significant about this group project is that each artist channeled the emotions they were experiencing during the height of the global pandemic in hopes of healing themselves as well as providing comfort to a broader audience.   The 20 artists were from many diverse backgrounds and from 8 different states. I was able to locate them through an open call on social media, as well as using contacts generated by a wide range of friends and family. At the onset of this project, the only art supplies I had to send each participant were an abundant supply of recycled shipping boxes. Because much of my art is built from repurposed items, keeping this theme of repurposing for the Together While Apart Art Project was very fitting.  I sent each artist several 6” x 6” square pieces of cut cardboard from these recycled boxes with one simple instruction: think outside of the box! My goal was that through the creative process, each artist would find an outlet for his or her feelings and eventually these emotions would transform into joy. Ultimately, our collective joys would be multiplied and shared with many others through our artwork.  I knew the world needed this dynamic group’s creative gifts. I also knew these amazing participants needed to share their gifts in order to process the current situation the world was in. I can say with certainty, that I am amazed at the outcome. This collaborative piece tells an inspirational story of resiliency, connections and hope during a pandemic that none of us could have imagined a few years ago.  And now, it is time to find this amazing piece a home. If you have a suggestion for an appropriate place that we might donate and/or exhibit this piece, please let me know. I would consider doing a rotation cycle so that several organizations may each enjoy this amazing artwork. Wherever this piece is displayed, I hope it inspires love, warmth, optimism, strength and happiness-the emotions we all felt while creating our individual squares. When people view this beautiful collaboration, they will be reassured that our collective strength grows when we come together by showing love and support for one another. When we connect with one another, we can use our strengths to work towards a greater good. Together, even while apart, we can do great things. And despite the utter chaos and sadness in the world, there are always kind hearted people working to find ways to bring hope and healing to others. Here is a very short video celebrating this project. https://youtu.be/9eGsOCIqESY Fondly,  Deane Bowers  Charleston, SC  804-874-2929
• 
  2021-02-16

  Creatives Meet in The Cloud

  During a pandemic, creatives continued to collaborate online through the platform Zoom. In this picture, Jackson Scoggins, William Way, and I (Spencer Bolding) meet and discuss the beginnings of Jackson’s new magazine about a local record label. We spent our first semester interviewing key characters in the creation of Dolfin Records over Zoom, often having to explain the mechanics to those new to the program. After a series of recorded interviews, we put together an in-depth timeline of the beginning of Dolfin Records that will go into our first issue. Creatives will always find a way to create. #HST269 #zoom #localmusic #Dallas #Dolfin #zine #DIY #musicians #art #deepellum #pandemic #creative
• 
  2020-12-02

  Theatre Workshop presents: The Essential Bronx - COVID Stories, Part 1

  We have preserved in this short film a selection of Theatre Workshop students' authentic experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and we want to share these stories with you.
• 2020-11-17

  Covid Schooling

  The main part of my life and any 20 year old college student's life is their school work. Every major has taken a serious impact on the way their courses are taught, the way they are absorbing information and especially the way they are collaborating with their peers. I am studying Interior Design and personally my hands on collaborative classes are now all taught virtually. Typically I would spend hours with my classmates talking about projects and brainstorming new ideas together. Now I have turned to opening my creative conversations with my roommates, who are not in design majors, but it gives me a different point of view. I believe I am benefiting from this type of learning, but of course I am constantly missing out on what this typical semester should look like. My four roommates and I are sitting at our desks for 8 hours a day logging in and out of virtual meetings trying to create a new sense of normal. Typically we all would be gone throughout the whole day and hardly see one another, but now we are all constantly together in our individual rooms trying to continue our education.
• 
  2020-12-03

  Wentworth Facing Changes; The Architecture Studios

  the Architecture studio spaces in the Annex building on the Wentworth campus, have been divided into cubicles. This was quite a change of scenery compared to the wide open space it used to be. The dividers give each student a cubicle of their own to do their work in safely. It has been hard to get used to, for the culture of studio here has always been one of collaborative work, checking in on a neighbor, and being able to be creatively influenced by peers. All of these things have unfortunately been put on hold by the virus. Once a lively, active space is now quite quiet and low key. I look to the future to be able to offer students after me the same great experiences I have been fortunate to have in this space when at its fullest potential with no barriers in sight. the use of all Covid protective measures being used in the CNC space over at the CfAR labs in the Wentworth Annex building on campus. PPE measures are very important to uphold in lab spaces where students have to collaborate with one another in order to successfully carry out their projects in the Architecture Department. These two students are seen wearing face masks, face shields as well as staying 6’ apart in order to maintain safety regulations. It is important to follow these regulations in order to continue our collaborative work flow. It took some time to get used to and has given the students new challenges to face while trying to safely share ideas and drawings with one another as well as working together in the lab spaces. From leaning over desks to draw on the same paper, to sharing tools, most aspects of collaborative work in architecture school have had to be rewritten in order to keep each other and professors safe during these times.
• 
  2020-04-03

  Home brew hand sanitiser, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne

  During the first wave of the pandemic in Victoria hand sanitiser and the ethanol used to make it were in global short supply. The hospital Pharmacy collaborated with local gin distillery Suter & Sons to make its own home brew hand sanitiser.
• 
  2020-06-12

  Colorado Strong

  This is a follow-up to the first article featuring the collaboration of Colorado breweries to support each other as well as healthcare, hospitality, gig, and service workers. This article lists all breweries with current release dates of the collaborative beer, Colorado Strong Pale Ale.
• 
  2020-04-21

  Brass-A-Holics Remix "Don't Stand So Close To Me," New Orleans, LA

  Brass-A-Holics announce the release of music video remix of Don’t Stand So Close To Me. The Facebook post reads: "The inspiration for this collaboration came from understanding the difficulty of our current situation. We want to help stimulate the awareness of social distancing in our daily lives. We salute those individuals on the front lines diligently working long hours to aid those directly and indirectly impacted. We’re encouraging people to social distance with our rendition of The Police 1980’s hit song " Don't stand so close to me" as a reminder to be safe, respect others, and to work together so that we lower the number of individuals effected and affected by COVID-19. There’s even a dance! We’ve partnered with friends from around the world to bring it YOU. The video features Julian Gosin and Winston Turner of the Brass-A-Holics. Trumpet -Julian Gosin Trombone - Winston Turner Music producer- Julian Gosin Music Mixer- Chris Finney Video Producer - Julian Gosin & Winston Turner Video Editor- Julian Gosin & Arie Bodden Check out “Don't stand so close to me" Remix" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uASgbSJNNd4&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1HLIZXgQ-kWT94gsI-JpVUWcWLYE3qsVPpeS1DcVrACgNsD6XRGOlTC2A