The world went into lockdown and then there were super viruses.
 
I have always wanted to do a self portrait but never expected it to be like this. 
On the day of my 50th Birthday I knew I was starting to feel unwell. After a week of becoming more and more sick I had a swab and was diagnosed with RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). Three weeks later and I was still struggling to recover. I wanted to do some art but I knew feeling the way I did I wouldn't achieve my usual results. 
 
I was craving the need to paint something different so I thought maybe this is a good time to give abstract a go. I didn't want to paint something pretty because I wasn't feeling it so I decided to do a self portrait in Cubism reflecting the effects of this virus and how it felt. 
 
Fluid in my head, fevers, constant mucus, broken glass in my throat, sore ears, headache, cough that just won't go away.  I also have a condition with my finger that won't heal. You can see how miserable this virus made me feel through the artwork. I wear a mask to keep everyone safe, but everyone seems to have it too. Two years of lockdowns kept the viruses at bay and now they are superbugs. 
 
The ear is a treble clef because I love to listen to music while creating art. It's amazing how painting can temporarily disguise pain or discomfort. Any kind of art is healing for the mind, body and soul. 
 
This artwork would suit a medical centre and even though it’s a painting of a virus it is bright and a little entertaining.
 
I've been sick for nearly 3 weeks now so I haven't wanted to do my usual art because I know I wouldn't be happy with the results. 
Instead I have done an abstract (cubism) self portrait showing how the virus made me and a lot of other people feel.