2021, winter

In times of crisis, we usually come together, but the predominant
principle to overcome this worldwide pandemic is keeping us apart.
Sitting with people around a table sharing food is one of the most
common, primordial and most powerful acts of togetherness. We had to change our routines. We have developed a new rhythm and we use new tools to feel connected. We’ve internalized new habits and movements: masks, distances, compulsive hand’s washing, outdoor dates, digital birthday celebrations, sitting live music, take-out food, streaming performances; we have perfected our online shopping and strengthened our swiping thumbs.
I know for myself that I haven’t normalized this; wearing a mask, and the experience of this inexpressive collectivity, still upsets me to the point I can feel strong anxiety rising up to what I’d call a mild but wicked panic attack. When thinking about the possible outcomes, I’m mostly afraid of a rise of individualism and apathy. At first it has seemed that people were actually working together, helping each other out, trying their best for the community. In fact, we are only obeying to save our ass; if collectivity was a fundamental, we wouldn’t be struggling so much with climate change. I’m not in the position to lecture anyone, this is primarily a reminder to myself: we cannot only fulfill the desires of humans. Our desires and way of living probably have to change: collectivity versus individuality, sustainability against exploitation, empathy and not apathy, simplicity instead of accumulation, repurpose and recycling, ecocentrism opposite to anthropocentrism, less work for the person and more work for the people, food redistribution, anti-racist and anti-classist education, strong fearless political actions, unity and economical justice.

Every time I make bread I’m reminded of the connection that we, as humans, have with our natural resources, and the care and time required reminds me of the disconnection we have with the natural world and ourselves. With flour, water and time I’m trying to reconnect.

I’m reaching out.

CHIARA