siobhan mckinley
interview with a vaulter
April 2020
Good morning once again!
This morning's Interview with a Vaulter is with Siobhán McKinley
How’s it going, Siobhan?
In these strange and unsettling times, I am slowly adjusting to life in lockdown. I am extremely thankful that I am still working as a youth worker and have found the routine of work life helpful with the young people keeping me busy. However working remotely when 90% of your job is face to face has taken some getting use to.
Having struggled with anxiety for many years I really struggled in the beginning, unable to go out and overthinking everything , like so many people I felt a real sense of fear and uncertainty and this was consuming every part of me. But being a proactive person I knew I needed to get myself organised, find a new normal and not think too far ahead, by creating a weekly plan, setting myself small goals, and only focusing on the things I can control, my anxiety has settled I now feel at ease and just focused on day to day living.
With everything stopping I have learnt to do something I have always struggled with - slowing down! Anyone who knows me knows that I am always working. I have started to recognise the importance of ME time.
What is your living situation?
Having a small 2 up 2 down home with a small yard, space is limited. I do wish there was a garden we could retreat to especially with all this lovely weather, I have great neighbours and we are getting to chat more and look out for each other. Living with my 19 year old son and my dog has been ok and we are enjoying spending more time together, watching movies, cooking and chatting (when he’s not playing PlayStation or sleeping) I’m so glad to have a pet and I feel this has helped ease that sense of loneliness we are all experiencing although she’s is getting very use to having me about the house so I do worry how she will cope when life returns to normal.
How has the Pandemic affected your arts practice?
In the beginning I was full of creative energy, and having not long completed fellow vaulter Ray Bonner’s Procreate for beginners workshop. I was having loads of fun using my iPad to play around in the world of digital design and transferring this to my paper cutting practice, however this slowly reduced as work life adjusted. I also started to notice a lot of DIY and décor jobs needed done, so it has been nice to focus on those creative home projects and I have found this therapeutic. I do kind wish the Belfast tool library was available as I could do with the tools to complete some jobs, so feel this is definitely something I will utilise more when this all ends.
How are you coping with the temporary closing of the Vault?
Honestly when this all started I made the decision to bring some art materials home and as I was already starting to self isolate so when the closure finally happened I felt I was prepared.
Working from home was a very different story, little space to work and other distractions at home has made me realise just how important my space had been, and I miss it every day. It was like going back in time to before I had the vault, all my art materials filling dusty corners and not seeing the light of day. The Vault is a massive part of my life, having my own art outlet to experiment and explore my practice is something I will always be extremely grateful for. I miss everyone at the vault, creatively and socially, I will definitely be making more of an effort with my fellow vaulters when we finally get over lock down.
What do you appreciate during lockdown?
I appreciate being connected. It is clear that I wasn’t making enough time for family and friends. I have the most amazing people around me and I am forever grateful to them for supporting me during lockdown. I appreciate the love shown to the wider community, the spirit of others reaching out to help those who are vulnerable and struggling. I appreciate having job security and that I can still support the young people I work with, they have been amazing!
How do you imagine the future after lockdown? For yourself and the wider art world in general?
As a community, People have been so strong and demonstrated just how creative they can be, adapting to change and using what resources they have to still carry on and support each other. I feel that art is a therapeutic tool and the benefits it has, especially for mental health have been highlighted even further over this difficult period. It has been wonderful to see so many people taking up a craft, project or new hobby and I hope this creativity continues into the future.