During the Covid-19 lockdown of 2020 my perception of time became distorted. Days dragged on while weeks flew by. A crippling combination of anxiety, claustrophobia and fear affected me for the first time. The knowledge that the whole world was suffering added to the doom. As an artist, I usually work through difficulties by making work. But home-schooling my children, and keeping my family’s physical and mental health on an even keel required all my energy. My own work, which in normal times kept me grounded, became impossible. My creative energy was diverted into the domestic sphere. Meeting my family’s needs and keeping everyone sane and well nourished became my priority. I planted seeds and grew food. My brain started to quiet and I observed the little things that I normally have no time for. I watched snails in the garden. I made a comfortable glass space filled with vegetables and water for them so that I could make a more detailed study. I was inspired by the snails to live in the moment. I forced myself to breathe deeply. To slow down. To be still. This work Self Portrait with Snail, depicts my full submission, without resistance or friction to this new dynamic.