Confessions in times of Corona : Zeina Kamareddine Badran

Zeina Kamareddine Badran, Artist and Printmaker

Instagram: @zkbadran

Facebook Page: @zeinabadranprints www.zeinabadran.com

Do you think this situation will lead to a change? And if so, how?

I think the world we knew prior to this pandemic will be forever changed. It is early to know what these transformations will be or look like, but I can only hope it will lead to better things in the future. In Lebanon, this new world order will come after months, if not years, of extreme hardship and I want to thank the tireless and brave teams of doctors, nurses, technicians, and other healthcare workers who are putting their lives at risk to heal the people who are afflicted with this disease across Lebanon. I equally commend the charitable organizations and NGOs who are working to alleviate the economic hardships created by the pandemic and our existing and worsening economic crisis.

What is your daily routine in confinement?

I am currently stuck in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where my husband lives and works.

I start my day by returning messages and phone calls and do Facetime calls with family members. I am currently teaching at Lebanese American University, so I prepare my online classes and follow up on my students’ work, which requires a lot of work and attention. I teach printmaking techniques and approaches, so it has been especially challenging to conduct the course online.

Aside from these daily activities and routines, I am unaffected by the current urgency to stay at home because I am solitary by nature.

From the simple pleasures of an active life, what do you miss the most?

I miss my studio, my printing press, family reunions, and the sea view.

What don't you miss?

Running out of time, pressure, and superficial encounters.

To avoid boredom, what do you suggest to our readers:

MOVIES: I recommend everyone to watch ‘The Joker’

COOKING RECIPE: Weeknight Marbella Chicken, you can find the recipe in the New York Times cooking section

A word of encouragement:

Patience and perseverance. Nothing lasts forever