Article Overview

Inspired while self-isolating (3)

Inspired while self-isolating

With Covid-19 lockdowns worldwide and health authorities urging people to self-isolate and practice social distancing on a massive scale as part of an enormous effort to #FlattenTheCurve of this global pandemic … we are reaching out to industry friends, colleagues, associates, partners, etc., and asking them to share their #StayHome and #QuarantineandChill activities with us during this extraordinary time.

Inspired in self-isolation: Christopher Bauder

Christopher is the creative director and founder of design studio WHITEvoid and motor winch

manufacturing company KINETIC LIGHTS. He travels the world creating amazing art installation

pieces using light and various ingenious technologies, and designs / programs special lighting

and visuals shows for a diversity of clients.

Christopher Bauder

advertisment

Robe: Where are you right now?

Christopher: Where I live and work … in Berlin, Germany.

Robe: How are you spending time whilst isolating / on lockdown?

Christopher: I am still going to our studio every day to do as much work as is possible under the

circumstances, but I am mostly alone. All my co-workers are in their home offices currently and

working remotely.

Robe: What’s the most creative thing you’re able to do whilst in isolation?

Christopher: I finally started to make some electronic music! This was always a dream of mine,

but I never had the time to get it started. I am also working on a new concept for a light art show

and exhibition.

Robe: Are you looking after anyone else during the Covid-19 crisis? Like neighbours or others in the family?

Christopher: Well I have 30 employees, so it’s already quite a challenge to get them organized

and provide them with all important information.

We keep them updated about the Covid-19 situation and how they can organize themselves best

with the current social distancing rules and restrictions in place. We have also organized

protective masks and other PPE for them.

Of course, I also keep in touch with my family, but they mostly live in other cities or countries, so

it’s not possible to meet in person, unfortunately.

Robe: Has anyone particularly inspired you since this crisis started?

Christopher: It is not directly a person, but I really appreciate what the German state and

government are able to do for the people in this situation.

I am very grateful for the social and financial system we have in place that helps and supports

advertisment

Inspired while self-isolating: SJ Williams

 

In 2019, SJ graduated from the LIR Academy – National Academy of Dramatic Art – in Dublin, Irish Republic, and usually works as a lighting technician and production manager for theatre and circus shows. She also teaches Lighting in technical theatre workshops for young women all around the country.

SJ Williams

advertisment

In 2019, SJ graduated from the LIR Academy – National Academy of Dramatic Art – in Dublin, Irish Republic, and usually works as a lighting technician and production manager for theatre and circus shows. She also teaches Lighting in technical theatre workshops for young women all around the country.

Robe: Where are you right now?

SJ: I’m in Dublin, Ireland.

Robe: What are you doing to fill the time whilst isolating / on lockdown? 

SJ: I'm very lucky to have picked up work quickly during this crisis. I have been working at a grocery checkout, and then I will begin a new position at Our Ladies National Children's Hospital.

Robe: What’s the most creative thing you’re able to do in isolation?

SJ: I love singing, and so this time has given me time to find my voice again and I'm trying to learn a new song every day. (No opera on the balcony yet though!)

Robe: Are you looking after anyone else during the Covid-19 crisis?

SJ: Yes … My Mammy is very vulnerable, she has had a string of health issues over the last few years so my priority is to make sure she can stay shielded at home and I go shopping for her and collect her prescriptions, etc. In order to protect her, I can't spend much time with her, which I really don't like. I miss hugging her!

Robe: Has anyone inspired you since this started?

SJ: So many people have inspired me! Of course, our nurses and doctors are frontline health worker heroes, but I've also been really inspired by the resilience and kindness I've seen in people every day. In such an uncertain and often lonely time, people are still smiling and making each other laugh and that really lifts me.

Robe: Favourite book / movie / Netflix series / viral video

SJ: I've just binge-watched six seasons of Vikings on Amazon and highly recommend it!

(Ragnar Lothbrok, a legendary Norse hero, is a farmer who rises to become a fearless warrior and commander of the Viking tribes with the support of his equally ferocious family.)

Robe: What’s the first thing you’d like to do when we are through it?

SJ: Kiss a stranger on the dancefloor.

Robe: Own question / answer / message of solidarity or something you’d like to say?

SJ: Call your Granny, or whoever is it that you want to tell you love them. Call your whole phone book! We can’t all see each other but that doesn't mean we are not there for each other. You may feel lonely, but you are not alone.

advertisment

Inspired in self-isolation: Nathan Wan

Nathan is the lead creative designer for Robe lighting, a busy and demanding job that entails designing and producing exhibition stands and Robe’s acclaimed live exhibition showcases. He also produces product and other promotional videos plus designs and programmes lighting for the showroom complex at HQ in the Czech Republic. Additionally, Nathan is an independent lighting director and designer.

Nathan Wan

advertisment

Robe: Where are you right now?

Nathan: Mawsley, a village 11 miles from Robe UK’s office in Northampton. Currently, I’m in my studio at the bottom of the garden.

Robe: What are you doing to fill the time whilst isolating / on lockdown?

Nathan: Apart from trying not to kill my kids … :) joking!!!! I am busy designing concepts for future exhibitions, shows and video shoots … and keeping fit.

Robe: What’s the most creative thing you’re able to do in isolation?

Nathan: Making sure I don’t run out of coffee beans!

I’m being resourceful in working on content for social media and other channels without access to all the usual facilities!

Robe: Are you looking after anyone else during the Covid-19 crisis?

Nathan: Yes, my parents are self-quarantining so I’m shopping and doing various errands for them during this time!

Robe: Has anyone inspired you since this started?

Nathan: Yes, how quick and smart our industrial logistics specialists have been, and how they have played a major part in keeping the food chain going and the supermarket shelves stocked.

Robe: Favourite book / movie / Netflix series / viral video

Nathan: I’m not really a book type of person, but movie-wise, Snatch (a 2000 British crime comedy film written and directed by Guy Ritchie), and my favourite TV series are Brassic and (British coming-of-age sitcom) The Inbetweeners.

Robe: What’s the first thing you’d like to do when we are through it?

Nathan: Catch up with all my friends and family and have a few beers in a pub garden!

Robe: Own question / answer / message of solidarity or something you’d like to say?

Nathan: Don’t underestimate this situation! We should not take things we love for granted! Stay at home, if you are with your family enjoy this time … and stay healthy!

advertisment

Inspired while self-isolating: Jeff Pavey AKA “Pavey”

Pavey is a legendary Australian production and lighting designer primarily working at music festivals all over the country - Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay Bluesfest, the Good Things Festival, etc. Known for his huge character and expansive sense of humour, he is also an integral part of the management team at rental company Creative Production.

Jeff Pavey

advertisment

Robe: Where are you right now?

Pavey: If there was a paradise in the world right now, I am there … on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Robe: What are you doing to fill the time whilst isolating / on lockdown?

Pavey: I was due for a good holiday, so I am reading, stand-up paddle boarding for a couple of hours each morning then the afternoon is filled with plenty of gardening! By the end of this isolating period, my yard will look better than most golf courses!

Robe: What’s the most creative thing you’re able to do in isolation?

Pavey: Lots of gardening and training on my trusty Hog 4 console and WYSIWYG. I’m also teaching my eldest son Harrison - who works with me at Creative Productions - the tricks of the trade.

Robe: Are you looking after anyone else during the Covid-19 crisis?

Pavey: Yes, my wife Julie and one of my sons – Riley – are all home with me so there’s always something happening.

Robe: Riley Pavey is a famous skateboarder … catch some of his effortless talent here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RduGjQOico

Robe: Has anyone inspired you since this started?

Pavey: Not sure of inspired, but people on the frontline are amazing doctors, nurses, paramedics, first responders and all those involved in transporting and working in supermarkets keeping food stocked and available.

Something I saw that was touching was a young girl coming home from cancer treatment and the whole street was out welcoming her.

Nobody from any governments or the World Health Organisation!

Robe: Favourite book / movie / Netflix series / viral video

Pavey: Reading a lot of old books that I originally read many years ago including “The Lives of John Lennon” (1988 biography by American author Albert Goldman); Jimmy Barnes’ award winning and best-selling “Working Class Boy” and “Working Class Man” ; “Muhammad Ali Handbook” by Dave Zirin)

Robe: Pavey has worked with Jimmy Barnes for around 30 years, both as LD for Cold Chisel and for Barnes’ solo career.

Not a movie type of guy!

Pavey: I have only just got Netflix since the virus started, so lots of R-rated comedy for a laugh instead of doom and gloom … and (American comedian) Joe Rogan podcasts (with Jim Jeffries).

Robe: What’s the first thing you’d like to do when we are through it?

Pavey: Go on my dream European holiday – which was scheduled for April and to include a visit to the Robe factory as well as Prague, Greece and Italy!

advertisment

Robe: Own question / answer / message of solidarity or something you’d like to say?

Pavey: This virus has devasted the festival industry worldwide, and personally, I think it will take some time before the authorities allow large gatherings and multi-day festivals where folks are camping!

I would like all my many friends around the world to get through this crazy time without any health issues … And for the world’s governments to know and be a little more prepared for something like this in the future!

Inspired while self-isolating: Jade Manicom

Jade designs lighting for small-to-medium shows and corporate / industrial events, managing the setup, programming and operating of lights …  among other things. She has worked all over South Africa and internationally.

Robe: Where are you right now?

Jade: At the dining room table of my house in Johannesburg, Gauteng province, South Africa.

Robe: What are you doing to fill the time whilst isolating / on lockdown?

Jade: Reading, binging various Netflix series, attempting to keep the existential dread at bay, watching TED talks and other informative and motivation tutorials to keep my mind engaged and expand my skills.

Jade Manicom

Robe: What’s the most creative thing you’re able to do in isolation?

Jade: Sketch and design concept stages … or maybe learn how to do a headstand!

Robe: Are you looking after anyone else during the Covid-19 crisis?

Jade: I live with two other people, so I guess we are all looking after each other – or trying not to kill each other whilst confined together. Too soon to tell – it could go either way!

Robe: Has anyone inspired you since this started?

Jade: Yes … I have many theatrical friends who have been inspiring me every day with discussions, ideas and potential new performance works that can be created out of these extraordinary circumstances.

Robe: Favourite book / movie / Netflix series / viral video?

Jade: Currently, RuPaul’s Drag Race season 12 (a popular American reality competition TV show) … and can the next series be released please!

Robe: What’s the first thing you’d like to do when we are through it?

Jade: Take a ballet class.

Robe: Own question / answer / message of solidarity or something you’d like to say?

Jade: These are, by far, some of the most unusual circumstances I’ve experienced but I’m keen and curious to see how we will get through … and where we will go from there! The world is changing, so let’s see what happens.