When Justine Larsen started losing the use of her hand, she drew. The artwork she created is featured in the exhibit “Birds, Bees, & Beasts: Pen and Inks of the Pandemic,” on display at Plaza Diane through Saturday.

“To say that 2020 was a challenge would be beyond an understatement,” Larsen said. “In my household, after the abundance of caution traveled with us each day, 2021 showed up with a vengeance.”

COVID-19 struck her family’s home, and injury and multiple health issues accompanied it. Larsen began to lose the use of her dominant left hand. 

“Knowing that I was a little too old to become right-handed, I began to draw the creatures around me, using alcohol markers as my own form of occupational therapy,” she said. “What you see is the product of my sketchbooks and my blossoming marker collection, with most of the drawings beginning in January of this year.”

She thanked all the friends, from far and near, who have provided inspiration with images of their birds, bees and beloved beasts.

“As my recovery from injury continues, I continue to look at the world around me — with its examples of perfection and imperfections — to keep my hand and brain working together,” she said.

Larsen’s show at Plaza Diane features a variety of creatures. The gallery will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. She has set up an online art store at www.redbubble.com/people/JustineJLarsen/shop.

— Tessa Baker