Living in New York City During a Pandemic has been a blessing and a curse.
I was recently featuring in a television segment called Living in a “new” New York on Spectrum NY1. It was a pleasure to share my story of reinvention before and during the covid19 crisis. While I lost nearly everything during the pandemic, it has opened new and wonderful doors and allowed me to express my creativity in other ways.
Two years ago I walked away from a career in the fashion industry to create my dream job. For 25 years I worked as a stylist, set designer and art director on countless photo and film shoots in New York City and around the globe. I met so many amazing people and create a portfolio and memories that will last me a lifetime.
https://jmurworld.com/styling-set-design-and-art-direction-portfolio/
While adoring the creativity of my work I knew I was meant for bigger and better things. On New Years Eve 2018, while nursing a broken heart from a recent breakup, I decided that 2019 would be different.
In early 2019, with no experience, no contacts, and no clear plan, I took all my savings and bought camera equipment and editing software and set out to see and film as much as possible. A complete novice, I made every error imaginable. Cameras failed, equipment was damaged by sea water, and I made every possible mistake, but I was happier than I had ever been. In 2019 I had traveled to India, Brasil, Qatar, Mexico, Thailand and wanted to see more.
New Beginnings
Cut to October 2019…
A resort on the carribbean island of Anguilla hired me to film the resort and island for a month. My dream had become my new reality. All my hard work had paid off. The future was looking bright. My new. website was progressing nicely and I was working night and day to keep the momentum going. Covid 19 had a different plan.
Early 2020, Coronavirus hits my home town of New York City. In a flash, the company I had spend 2 years, and all my savings to build was reduced to ashes. Clients cancelled, global travel came to a complete stop…the world was frozen.
I knew from the onset of the pandemic that I would need to shift and adjust my plans rapidly and drastically. The world I once knew was gone. I needed to create projects closer to home. and find things to do in quarantine. Among these is a collaborative home cooking project I call “Quarantine Kitchen” about quarantine cooking in New York with others around the globe. This series has given me the opportunity to connect with old friend and make some new ones through the joy of cooking. It has also given me a chance to refine my camera and editing skills.
The US is now in the midst of a ferocious second wave of the corona virus and people have lost there minds. Politics, protests, government enforced lockdowns. I have decided to return to Mexico to resume where I left off before the virus. Too much time has been stolen from us all with this virus and politicians and media are NOT on our side. It’s time for me to reclaim my life and follow my dreams. Mexico here I come.
The Next Chapter
Living in New York City during a pandemic has been difficult. butwe all must find new ways to adapt, create, cook, and find joy in this uncertain climate. Find you passion and make your dreams come true. If you love what you do, success will surely follow. Go after your dream with all your might. Anything is possible if you just believe…and never stop working towards that goal. Be safe and be kind to each other.