THE TEAM
Chelmsford Creatives are a group of 15-24 year olds who work alongside Chelmsford City Council to elevate the voices of young people. Over lockdown, we created BOREDOM-19: a zine that features creative reflections on social media, mental health, privilege, and how young people across Essex have experienced the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I built a chicken coop and started growing vegetables"
Robert deLima, 20, Chelmsford
I'm a student at Chelmsford College, a youtube gamer and railway enthusiast. Lockdown has been difficult for me because I've had to shield, which meant I couldn't even walk our dog or put the bins out. I tried to stay active at home, so I built a chicken coop and started growing vegetables. I'm a very sociable person, so I'm really glad I can see my friends again.
"Would I like myself any more or less?"
Sophie Laura Johnson, 19, Basildon
I always sum myself up by saying "graphic designer, train enthusiast, and pretend redhead" - but lockdown threatened these defining parts of my being. Who would I be if I couldn't travel on the Underground or visit a hairdresser? Would I like myself any more or less? I've been inspired to appreciate how I spend my time, even if it doesn't always align with the pillars of my identity.
Neve-Taylor Van-Win, 19, Bicknacre
As someone who was vulnerable to COVID-19 I had to completely shut myself away from everyone. I started to really miss my friends, family and freedom - even small things like going to Taco Bell when I wanted to. One thing my community has been doing to boost morale is painting rocks with nice messages and rainbows, and leaving them around Woodham for people to find on their walks.
"I started to really miss my friends, family and freedom - even small things like going to Taco Bell when I wanted to"
"When exams were cancelled, I found myself flipping between two mentalities..."
Badriya Abdullah, 18, Chelmsford
As someone who's been working non-stop for the past two years, when exams were cancelled, I found myself flipping between two mentalities: "I have to be productive" and "I have to enjoy this extra-long holiday." Eventually I learned to take things slowly for the first time in ages, and it’s been nice to spend time with my family and start drawing for fun again.
"I soon found that boredom was a helpful tool in inspiring my creativity!"
Frances Hudson, 16, Chelmsford
I’m a sixth form student. At the beginning of lockdown I felt very bored and didn’t know what to do. However I soon found that boredom was a helpful tool in inspiring my creativity! I’ve always enjoyed writing so I’ve spent lockdown writing stories, poetry and I even started a blog! For this zine I’ve written a poem about how boredom can be useful. Enjoy!
"so I have had to resort to creating artwork and making plans..."
Ryan Harvey,19, Chelmsford
I finished studying Art & Design and Photography at Writtle University College last year, with the intention of travelling to Craft Fairs and places which interest me. With COVID-19, sadly I have not been able to do that, so I have had to resort to creating artwork and making plans of what I am going to do once lockdown is over.
"My mood and motivation throughout lockdown has ebbed and flowed"
Matty Turner, 17, Chelmsford
My mood and motivation throughout lockdown has ebbed and flowed, and lockdown forced me to adapt my interests significantly. Some days I would wake up wanting to create a feature film and other days I wouldn't get out of bed until 4pm. But overall I’m really pleased with what I’ve learnt and achieved during this period and am very thankful for the creative outlet this zine has provided!
Claudia Wickham, 17, Ongar
Being a home-educated A-Level student during lockdown has been an ambiguous experience. On one hand having extra time to study, create, relax and spend with family has been great. But, how much time is too much time? Check out my page to learn more about effects of boredom in lockdown.
"But, how much time is too much time?"
"...Isolation inevitability leads to boredom no matter what you do"
Isaac Howells, 16, Danbury
In many regards the lockdown has been a blessing and a curse. I have been able to spend more time with my family who usually work away and have enjoyed learning new skills which I would never have considered before. But isolation inevitability leads to boredom no matter what you do. Thankfully times are gradually returning to normal.
"I’ve been helping my dad in the garden during lockdown doing some planting, seeding, labelling and watering."
Louisa Rosenvinge, 19, Chelmsford
Lockdown has been difficult for me, even though I dealt with it very well. To keep me positive, I’ve been helping my dad in the garden during lockdown doing some planting, seeding, labelling and watering. Most recently, I’ve been doing a lot of cycling which I enjoy so much, it helps me to keep occupied and most importantly it helps my mental health such as anxiety and depression.
Pat Lok, 23, Chelmsford
As a medical student, time is pretty limited for us to explore things outside of medicine. The lockdown period was a bit like a honeymoon for me where I got to venture outside of medicine, spend time with family as well as getting on top of my studies.
"The lockdown period was a bit like a honeymoon for me..."
"At the beginning, we enjoyed doing virtual quizzes but it didn't feel the same..."
Tom Shadrake, 21, Chelmsford
I'm a college student, studying Level 1 Media. I spend a lot of time with friends at college and in my free time, so I've found lockdown boring and challenging as I haven't been able to see them. At the beginning, we enjoyed doing virtual quizzes but it didn't feel the same - so I was relieved when lockdown eased and we could see each other even at a distance.