Wilhelmina peace

Good morning. This is the slightly later than normal Interview With a Vaulter with Wilhelmina Peace.

How's it going?

Generally speaking, it’s all going well. It’s very much a day by day process. Some days, I manage to screw my head on just tight enough to get a bit of work done, answer some emails, jot down some immediate and less immediate goals. Other days are a puddle of mass confusion. I don’t know where I’m at, what I am doing with my life, where I want to take my work...The lockdown has definitely thrust me into a lot of self-doubt I didn’t have time to consider when I was speeding through my pre-lockdown routine. I’m really grateful I can still go out and frolic in the woods. Reconnecting with nature has been really crucial in lifting my spirit.

What is your living situation? Do you have outside space or are you living in an underground bunker?

Living in a 2 bedroom with my son and partner, co-Vaulter Dragos Musat. We have a little yard and are breathing life back into the small plot of soil we have. Space is pretty tight but we manage. The toughest part is finding some quiet time…

How has the pandemic affected your arts practice?

I am studying Printmaking at Ulster University and that has been completely put on hold. Usually I would be playing around with chemicals and centenarian printing presses. My practice depends a lot on the Print Studio so I have had to make some adjustments. I am always drawing but these days my drawings are fleshed out as ends in themselves as opposed to sketches for etchings. I have so many ideas and projects in mind but struggle to allocate time to do them. My arts practice has had to take a temporary back seat to make room for homeschooling, cooking, cleaning and other unpredictables of daily house life. I trust I will find my own rhythm soon, I just need to learn to observe what works and what keeps me stuck.

Still, Dragos and I have managed to work on a new project. We are designing an online art school for kids, to keep their curiosity and creativity up during lockdown. It’s called the Online Neighbourhood Art School and its main aim is to educate kids on various art movements throughout history in a fun and engaging way. Each month we will focus on a different art movement, look at some of its key artists, then put their style to practice in a live workshop! We are also planning on inviting professional artists to give short talks and demos so that kids can have an idea of what it means to be an artist in today’s world.

How are you coping with the temporary closing of the Vault?

It’s hard on so many levels. I miss everyone. I miss running into people and exchanging a big smile or stopping and chatting forever about deep nonsense. The Vault has been a lifeline for so many of us in so many different ways, whether it’s financial, social or emotional, and having that cord so suddenly cut has been a bit of a shock. Vault is still really closely knit and everyone is keeping in touch but not having the physical building is like missing a limb. I just can’t wait to get back.

What do you appreciate during lockdown?

I appreciate getting to spend more time with my son. Homeschooling can be a challenge of mythic proportions but I feel closer to him now that I am taking time to teach him things I would have never gotten the chance to. It’s very empowering as a parent.

On good days, I really appreciate the slow pace and how easy it is to marvel at the simple things. I also appreciate having time to do things I always put off, like cleaning out the bits and bobs drawer in the kitchen (which I will start sometime this week, honestly).

How do you imagine the future after lockdown? For yourself and the wider art world in general.

There is so much doom and gloom regarding prospects post-lockdown. I can’t allow myself to give into that kind of negativity. I know it’s probably valid, justified and reasonable but I will surely create that abysmal reality if I believe it. I can only speak for myself. I imagine a future where artists will join together to create cooperative networks based on empathy and solidarity. It doesn’t have to be anything too momentous. Small yet consistent acts of goodwill, courage and compassion could change the game worldwide. Politicians and billionaires will never change the world for the better; they lack the fundamental human skills to do that. If we want to change things we need to start with our own lives and go from there. We need to take the power back for ourselves and shape the future so it is big enough to hold our dreams. I truly believe we can do this, we just need to start from the assertion that we hold the power.

Where can people find you online?

They can follow my Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/wilhelminapeaceart/. They can also check out my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/wilhelminapeace/. Also, you are formally invited to check out my work in the upcoming online exhibition WE ARE curated by Eco Pola from Matriz Gallery in Paris. A link to the show will be available on my Instagram and Facebook page and the pieces on show are available to buy. My online shop is at https://wilhelminapeace.bigcartel.com/.

I recommend visiting the shop regularly as I am currently revamping it and about to put up a huge array of affordable prints and T-shirts with really cool designs I was secretly guarding but will now happily share! I am always happy to hear from you and answer any questions or just have a chat about this and that and whatever! Hope you are all keeping your eyes towards the skies. Peace!