Project 2.2 - Escapism Introduction
“the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy”
When thinking about what escapism means to me, I thought about the lockdown and what I did to cope with isolating myself. I live in a house with 6 other people - all who have been supportive in keeping each other company and making things exciting at home. We often spent our lunches between lectures outside in the garden, as well as drinking during the weekends to release some tension. However, when we had learn’t that our landlords were removing the garden in order to maintain it better a cord had struck with me. By the time the workers had come in to dig into the soil and remove all of the natural life that had grown, I found myself trying to preserve whatever life I could find. We had a range of different critters in the garden, such as worms, birds, neighbourhood cats and even foxes; yet I found myself mesmerised with the snails.
The way they would hide in the plants, moving slowly and unaware of what is about to their home. I had done some research on snails and having them as pets - with the right care and environment they could live a happy life rather than be discarded/killed with the digger. I also wanted to preserve the garden as it meant a lot to my flatmates and I.
I wanted to preserve as much of the garden as I could in such a container and designed a new home for the snails so that they will feel comfortable. I often let them come out to explore my new plants, climb around my fingers and on fruit and vegetables outside of their new home.
In this project I want to explore how I can relate/connect more to my snails.
