Stuck at home? Why not build a life-sized elk in your basement?

In our self-shot video series COVID Residencies, we're checking out how artists are adapting their practices in isolation, whether it's diving into different processes or getting lost in their sketchbooks.

You may remember Guthrie Gloag as the mind behind a giant mastodon located somewhere in the woods of Bowen Island, B.C. Some of you even tried to find it. Gloag works with natural materials — as he says, "I can find inspiration in nature and that's given me peace and solace." His works reflect that serenity, standing like solitary creatures in the middle of the natural environment.

But recently, like many other artists, Gloag now has uncertainy around his upcoming shows and is facing a future where he's not sure how, or if, his large works will be selling at the same rate. He chose a strange act of subversion to fight this feeling: "In the midst of all this madness, I decided that it'd be good to build a life-sized elk out of driftwood in the basement of my house."

In this video, you'll see Gloag's current life as he homeschools his daughter, negotiates his way through the many works in his basement studio (including a cougar, coastal wolf and heron) and uses a set of elk sheds, power tools and screws to build his sculpture. As acts of rebellion go, it's a majestic one.

Follow Guthrie Gloag here and keep a lookout for the stories we're bringing you from other artists in isolation as part of COVID Residencies. Stay safe, friends!

CBC Arts understands that this is an incredibly difficult time for artists and arts organizations across this country. We will do our best to provide valuable information, share inspiring stories of communities rising up and make us all feel as (virtually) connected as possible as we get through this together. If there's something you think we should be talking about, let us know by emailing us at [email protected]. See more of our COVID-related coverage here.