JAMES STRECKER: In what specific ways has COVID-19 changed your creative life in the arts?
SASS JORDAN: It completely stopped all live performance and touring, and even being able to get together with my band for streaming performances. Anything I want to do with regards to recording new stuff with my band etc. has to be postponed, of course.
JS: How creative are you feeling with COVID-19 on your mind?
SJ: First of all, I try to keep it off my mind! I find that if I don’t focus on scary things, I do a lot better in general. I feel very creative, because nature is reminding me that everything comes and goes – right now, nature is getting ready to bring in a new generation!
JS: In what specific ways has COVID-19 changed your personal life?
SJ: No physical contact with friends and extended family, not being able to just walk into the grocery store or ANY store, for that matter – and also seeing how vulnerable everyone is to polarizing opinions.
JS: What are your primary worries, at this time, about the present situation in the arts because of COVID-19?
SJ: I would say that the worries are the same as they are for anyone in any type of business that depends on working with groups of people and the public in general. It is threatening a lot of people’s livelihoods, because it is not just about the artists, but all the people who facilitate what we do, which is a huge and varied group.
JS: What are your primary worries about the future situation in the arts because of COVID-19?
SJ: I make a practice of not worrying, as it doesn’t help anything or anyone. I look forward to the future, as I always do, and all I can do is trust that we will be able to weather this crisis as a community, each of us helping the other to the extent that we are able.
JS: What are you yourself doing to get through this time of crisis?
SJ: Working on being the best that I can be, my crafts, listening to a lot of music, doing a lot of research on all the things that I don’t normally have time to do, cooking, and keeping in touch with friends and family through technology.
JS: What are other creative people you know doing to get through this time of crisis?
SJ: I would say much of the same that I mentioned above! I think everyone is doing the best that they can, and focusing on the merits of inner freedom.
JS: What are the saddest stories you’ve heard about creative people during this time of COVID-19?
SJ: I’m not hearing a lot of sad stories – I’m hearing far more stories of people getting to know themselves at a deeper level, which I think is a wonderful thing for people seeking to express themselves creatively.
JS: What are the most encouraging or inspiring stories you’ve heard about creative people during this time of COVID-19?
SJ: I love how people find so many creative and interesting ways to connect – a lot of it is through social media platforms, which are a double-edged sword, of course, but I like to focus on the positive side of them!
JS: How can we support people in the arts during this difficult time?
SJ: By buying whatever products they are offering if it’s something that you appreciate!
JS: Finally, what specifically can we do to support your life and work in the arts?
SJ: I would say that the answer to the above question is the same answer here! Telling your friends, telling your followers about us – enjoying what we offer and taking care of each other in any way you can!