PBS and NPR for Southwest Florida
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Colin & Frankie Orion: SWFL Artists Adapting Amid Pandemic

Colin Orion and Frankie Orion modeling Frankie's custom masks
Courtesy of Colin & Frankie Orion
Colin Orion and Frankie Orion modeling Frankie's custom masks

The latest employment data from the U.S. Department of Labor indicates Florida is only behind California and Georgia in the number of first-time unemployment claims being filed. Local artists are among those who have seen their livelihoods upended amid the coronavirus pandemic, but many are finding creative new ways to utilize their skills.

We’ll hear from the husband and wife team of multi-talented artists Colin Orion and Frankie Orion about how they’ve been adapting.

Frankie had largely been making a living hosting live music events around Southwest Florida before the pandemic, but has since been pouring her creativity, energy and artistic talents into sowing custom masks.

Colin had been working as a tattoo artist, but is now pouring his skills into several comic-book style projects.

The Orion’s also make up half of the Southwest Florida-based synthrock, cyberpunk, electronica witchwave band Cobress and they’re preparing to drop new music they’ve been recording and producing amid the pandemic.