“I began Viral Viscosity when the COVID-19 virus was first detected in the US, but had not yet spread to where I live in Virginia. Working quickly, I made many decisions along the way, but tried not to pause too long in the process or overthink things. My goal was to complete the piece before the virus hit home. Initially, I cropped the image tightly, perhaps in an effort to refine it, to assert more control, and contain it.

As the virus began spreading day to day, hour to hour, and the need to isolate and shelter in place became my reality, I began expanding the borders of the collage, pushing against a feeling of claustrophobia. Extending the boundaries gave me an increased sense of spaciousness, yet it also left me feeling more exposed and vulnerable. As I sit with these emotions, and many others during this time of uncertainty, I am reminded again and again to reach into that soft space and breathe.”

— Susan Greene (Virginia)