By Holly Stevenson.
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Coronavirus quarantines have had remarkable and unanticipated effects globally; in Venice, silt has settled to reveal the aquatic life of the famous canals, and in China CO2 emissions have fallen dramatically as a result in a reduction of industrial affairs. Beyond the viral images and headline-grabbing statistics, however, one only has to venture to the baking aisle to see the more mundane impact of the lockdown in the UK. The onset of isolation boredom has prompted a homemade renaissance of sorts – one which has hitherto largely taken the form of cake. Being stuck inside our houses with little else to do, without the structure of school and with the absence of work for many people, it appears as though we have turned collectively to baking for some form of creative release.
Imposed isolation at home has encouraged the exploration of new creative outlets and has given us time, which we frequently claim we don’t have enough of, to pursue these new endeavours. Lockdown has allowed us to enjoy activities we once prioritised last, but perhaps more significantly it has recalibrated our understanding of free time. Whilst it is tempting on a busy schedule, the prospect of a Netflix binge is less appealing in an endless weekend, and instead we are valuing more sustainable and enriching pastimes. For some, lockdown is solely an opportunity to rediscover the hobbies they let fall to the margins as the stresses of everyday life took over. However, for others, instead of installing in them a sense of tranquility it feels more like motionless chaos, with baking becoming a refuge to punctuate otherwise meaningless days. Whatever the reasoning, quarantine has reminded us of the value of creation.
It is no surprise that lockdown has promoted an upsurge in baking at home. It’s impossible to escape the presence of food in the media, with the popularity of Channel 4’s ‘The Great British Bake Off’, being a testament to the British love of cake. However, there is a case to be made for the similar rebirth of arts and crafts. Be it knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, or embroidery, these all offer the opportunity for us to relax, and to rest our brains without recourse to complete inactivity. Whilst many have fond memories of learning these crafts with elderly relatives who they may now be separated from, even beginners need little more than a google search to get started on a new project. With just a few pounds, it’s possible for anyone to begin learning and creating.
There is a unique joy found in walking past a creation of your own, a decoration hanging on a wall or a quilt thrown over the bed, a testament to your ability to start – and finish – a project. Unlike so many other hobbies, however, the real joy comes from the act of creation. An unsuccessful end product doesn’t diminish from the enrichment gained from doing the activity itself.
Within the busy nature of student life, there’s a tendency for individuals to pursue hobbies and activities outside of work which are overtly productive, which fill the CV, or which we deem the most ‘valuable’. Our obsession with observable outputs has led many students to chase familiar preoccupations, aiming to maximise their productivity, even while stuck at home. In reality, be it embroidery, dressmaking or making a cake, what we need right now is a quiet pursuit. One which provides us with a stress-free distraction without setting our expectations particularly high.
Edited by Marnie Ashbridge.
The Quarantine Times 