Jamie Fingal: Sketching Solace During Uncertain Times

By Artists in Isolation Journal

In April 2020, at the height of the global pandemic lockdowns, textile and mixed media artist Jamie Fingal offered a quiet, reflective look into her daily creative practice through a blog post titled "Visual Journal and Work in Progress". At a time when routines were interrupted and the world seemed uncertain, Fingal found grounding through art.

Afternoons with a Sketchbook

Fingal’s sketches were often created during the late afternoon, and many were photographed directly on her lap — a casual, personal frame that emphasized the intimacy of the moment. Her drawings, bursting with color and layered with symbols, offered insight into her inner landscape. Each page became a record of mood, thought, and inspiration.

These visual journal entries reflected a balance between structure and spontaneity. Whether featuring playful houses, spirals, hearts, or abstract forms, Fingal’s compositions held emotional weight without the need for explanation.

Art as Ritual and Resilience

With the outside world in pause, Fingal used her journal as a form of therapeutic reflection. Sketching wasn’t simply a creative outlet — it was a ritual that brought consistency and joy. The act of drawing became a way to process each day, translating uncertainty into color and form.

Her blog post reminded readers that creativity doesn’t require a perfect setup or elaborate vision — sometimes, it’s just about showing up, pen in hand, and letting the page speak.

Work in Progress, Inside and Out

Alongside her sketches, Fingal also shared glimpses of textile work in progress, suggesting that her studio remained a space of gentle productivity despite the larger pause in normal life. Whether on paper or fabric, her work continued to evolve — echoing the personal growth that so many experienced during isolation.

Explore More

To explore Jamie Fingal’s full visual journal and reflections from this period, visit:
Jamie Fingal Designs