COVID Vacation — Ben Tolbert

PAINTING

Like most COVID shut-ins, I’ve been binging alotta TV. One of the shows I found (better late than never) was Strangers With Candy and I. Loved. It. Since Jerri never graduated High School, I decided to paint her nonexistent senior portrait with Pro… — Like most COVID shut-ins, I’ve been binging alotta TV. One of the shows I found (better late than never) was Strangers With Candy and I. Loved. It. Since Jerri never graduated High School, I decided to paint her nonexistent senior portrait with Procreate. I’ve been teaching myself different art techniques to varying degrees of success, but liked how this one turned out. Mr. Jellineck would be proud and disgusted.

LIVE-DRAWING

I’ve been drawing forever, and it’s always good, especially when you’re a bit rusty, to get some live figure-drawing classes in. But that’s not happening any more. At least not in-person. A friend introduced me to some virtual figure-drawing classes… — I’ve been drawing forever, and it’s always good, especially when you’re a bit rusty, to get some live figure-drawing classes in. But that’s not happening any more. At least not in-person. A friend introduced me to some virtual figure-drawing classes, via Zoom, where we’d draw a variety of poses with 1-5 minute time restraints. Here’s some favs from a bunch of sessions.

ISLAND DESIGNING

Animal Crossing has been exceptionally therapeutic for me during lockdown. It’s a daily constant I can always depend on. I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time crafting the perfect island experience. Come visit!

EXERCISING

One of the constants in my life since high school has been the gym. But since COVID has changed all that, and gyms are now exclusion zones, I’ve had to figure out new ways to exercise. I found the Los Angeles Tennis Center at UCLA and it has provide… — One of the constants in my life since high school has been the gym. But since COVID has changed all that, and gyms are now exclusion zones, I’ve had to figure out new ways to exercise. I found the Los Angeles Tennis Center at UCLA and it has provided plenty of athletic peace-of-mind.

CANVASSING

I strongly believe that voting is one of the cornerstones of American Democracy. But this country has appalling voter numbers and an administration that has got. to. go. We need people, especially those in swing states, to vote - now more than ever.… — I strongly believe that voting is one of the cornerstones of American Democracy. But this country has appalling voter numbers and an administration that has got. to. go. We need people, especially those in swing states, to vote - now more than ever. So I’ve been writing a ton of postcards to them with some friendly encouragement to get out and VOTE!

SCULPTING

As you’ve already seen, I’ve become slightly obsessed with Animal Crossing during quarantine. I love the character designs, more specifically the simplicity and amount of personality conveyed in each one. My favorite islander is the meme-chicken himself, Roald, and I love him so much I decided to sculpt him based on his iconic meme look. I’d never sculpted with polymer clay before, so it was fun to learn how all that works.

BIKING

Another constant in my COVID life is my bike. I take it out every day and I’ve logged a ton of miles on it. My longest ride was 22 miles along the Expo Bike Path and the Ballona Creek path. Which is a long way on a heavy single-speed beach cruiser. … — Another constant in my COVID life is my bike. I take it out every day and I’ve logged a ton of miles on it. My longest ride was 22 miles along the Expo Bike Path and the Ballona Creek path. Which is a long way on a heavy single-speed beach cruiser. I’ve explored plenty of other neighborhoods too. See orange circles.