Q & A with creature comforts artist Hannah Foster

In preparation for creature comforts, we reached out to each artist to tell us more about what gave them joy and solace over the past year:

In 2020 we spent more time with ourselves than most of us have in our entire lives. Have you noticed anything new, surprising, or novel that you feel comfortable sharing with us? 

I realized how lacking my exploration of my inner world has been. The quiet of the pandemic allowed me time to become aware of and confront the traumas and patterns from childhood I wasn't aware of or had been unconsciously pushing away. I've been able to move toward becoming the human I choose to be rather than allowing the same cycles of trauma to run my decision-making. It's been quite liberating.

Were there any repetitive processes that stood out to you over the last 16 months? Either in your artwork, or in your daily life?

There's one specific routine that has provided comfort, mental stimulation, and enjoyment --- watching The X-Files from the beginning...again. One episode most nights of the week has been perfect. It's my favorite television show, and I marvel at the intricacies of character development, plot development, and the amount of goofiness and fun integrated into the monster-of-the-week episodes.

Where have you found wonder in your daily life? 

I've reveled in the wonder of being my own friend, of self-acceptance. Tending to my garden and watching the zucchinis and tomatoes grow, picking raspberries, seeing the birds, squirels, and rabbits parade through the backyard. In the joy of playing with and cuddling my cat. In intimate moments with loved ones, even at a distance. In laughter. Lots and lots of laughter.

Music is universally linked to our lives, serving as a safe space for our thoughts, a distraction, a routine, and a space for comfort. Music is especially tied to the formulation of memories. Tell us about songs that you found yourself playing on repeat over the last year. Was there a song or artist you were drawn to, especially while sheltering in place and while social distancing?

There were a few songs that circled around, not necessarily for their lyrics -- the songs just hit me in the right spot: Smashing Pumpkins - Frail and Bedazzled, Gillian Welch - Dry Town (Demo), Fiona Apple - Criminal, The Replacements - Swinging Party, Silver Jews - Random Rules, Big Thief - Masterpiece

Is there a song that you feel best represents your experience over the last 16 months? 

Dr. Dog - The World May Never Know

Is there a song that never fails to lift your mood? That brings you comfort? 

Scissor Sisters - Take Your Mama, Gillian Welch - Dry Town (Demo), Gin Blossoms - Hey Jealousy, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song.