LEMON: Teenage Art Created During the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Sophia Hall

The devastating global pandemic resulted overwhelmingly in art. Many people created art in response to the increasingly evident police brutality in the U.S., the removal of women’s reproductive rights, or the overwhelming wave of humanitarian crises. Others created art designed to help the world heal. Amanda Gorman’s Inaugural Poem “The Hill We Climb” represents the kind of art art recognizing the daily struggle of life while simultaneously presenting hope. “That even as we grieved, we grew. That even as we hurt, we hoped. That even as we tired, we tried.” I called for submissions of art created in the pandemic from teenagers specifically. A recent poll conducted by UNICEF shows that the COVID-19 crisis impacts the mental health of teenagers significantly. Among the participants, 27% reported feeling anxiety and 15% of participants depression in the last seven days. The old adage says that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I counter that with when life gives you lemons, make art. Write a slam poem. Make a rough sketch or watercolor. Art became an outlet for difficult emotions during the pandemic. This anthology of work aims to celebrate the perseverance and resilience of teenage artists. Keep shining.

77 pages, Paperback

Published January 2, 2022

About the author

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I didn't grow up on a farm or even in a rural setting. I was attracted to self-sufficiency from a young age as I spent most of my time outside. My self-sufficient journey started off innocent – I loved growing food that we couldn’t find in grocery stores! Over time, it turned into a passion for living how we were supposed to – in nature! I think that is especially important in today's day and age where people are so far removed from nature, spending all day in air-conditioned boxes typing away in front of a screen. Over time, people got richer and more stuff, so why aren’t we happier? I am almost certain that a simpler life is the solution to a lot of modern problems that we have now.

As I set upon my mission to live a self-sufficient life in nature, I quickly became frustrated at the sheer amount of questionable information online. I just didn’t know what to do or who to listen to! That’s why I started easygreenguides – a passion project of mine that makes living a simpler life, well… simple.