MARCUS SIVYER-ATWERE, 23 and ISABELLA, 19, Cornwall at Select reflecting isolation
F WORD: How have you been dealing with the whole isolation thing? MARCUS SIVYER-ATWERE: Since hearing about COVID-19 I have been camping with my beautifully spirited girlfriend Isabella and our wild golden retriever Blue. We are in Porth Minster Beach St. Ives, Cornwall instead of being trapped in London which is my usual hometown. I decided to pack my life up and travel to a place I have always wanted to go with my two closest loved ones. I can’t lie the past month has felt like a dream, I feel like the term isolation doesn’t count for my situation.
F WORD: What have you been doing to occupy your time and mind? MARCUS SIVYER-ATWERE: So city life had me in a complete trap. With almost no connection to any real nature or anything apart from technology. I have been occupying my mind with long walks at the beach. Swimming in the ice-cold ocean, finally reading some good books, (Invisible Woman, Brave New World, The Gendered Brain) so far. Walking my dog for miles on end as my one excuse for daily exercise doesn’t have to end here. I have also taken up making sculptures from wood and metal that I find washed up on the beaches. Reconnecting with the love of my life in such a pure way. Going on runs together, waking up and doing yoga, giving up our addictions to nicotine together. Just to name a few.
F WORD: How are you feeling about the COVID-19 pandemic? MARCUS SIVYER-ATWERE: My honest opinion here is that I’m not surprised by what is happening. The world is a very detached place and it seems to me that capitalism, among other things, has forced our western society into a direction that cares only about superficial materials. I think that however scary it may seem to people living through this there is always a silver lining. I believe that when we have defeated this new virus there might be a more connected and empathetic world on the other side. One that treats all fairly no matter what nationality, one that isn’t just run by paper bills and gold coins.
F WORD: What are your thoughts on how our government and the world is dealing with it? MARCUS SIVYER-ATWERE: In my opinion, the UK government are dealing with COVID-19 very well. It’s a pretty unique situation so with that in mind I find it hard to criticise the efforts of the prime minister who has to think of a multitude of different outcomes, the virus being one but also the secondary effects the virus might have on the economy and hysteria of the world. People becoming scared, buying up all the food and loo paper while dealing with issues on there own. It’s not just a virus we are dealing with here it’s human nature. We are acting almost like a collective. And when panic appears it also spreads much like a virus. Also, have you seen how Trump is handling this?
F WORD: What would be your perfect soundtrack for this time? MARCUS SIVYER-ATWERE: Anything by Jacob Collier.
F WORD: Can you suggest a movie, series or book you are into right now? MARCUS SIVYER-ATWERE: Watch 'Hostiles' with Christian bale (it shows how two very different societies can overcome their prejudices). A great series I am into right now is 'It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia' (it’s light-hearted and offensive in every way to everyone. It is one of those unique shows. I think it’s called an anti-sitcom). In terms of a good read, I would suggest 'Invisible Woman' so that you can reduce your unknown sexist tendencies that this male-run white world often brings. Watch 'Killing Eve' if you are so bored with American spy movies and you want to see something that doesn’t take itself to seriously. Read 'Brave New World' so you can appreciate the society that we live in and stop being a complainer!
F WORD: A hopeful statement to encourage others: MARCUS SIVYER-ATWERE: Life is not that deep. Purify your soul and do something kind that others need not know or thank you for. Wake up early in the morning open up your windows and let nature in. Find peace with yourself and love the skin that you are in because without doing this from my personal experience it’s hard to live an authentic and happy life.
F WORD: Favourite f-word: MARCUS SIVYER-ATWERE: Flabbergast.
