Monday, April 19, 2010

Creating with a handicap...

I am not talking about being permanently handicapped amd being creative. I am talking about when something changes either with your body, or your environment that makes it impossible to do the creative work you normally love to do.
I have spent the better part of a week feeling sorry for myself because I can't make jewelry or practice cello (or swim, or do many other things I like to do). I am an artist and a maker. I have to always be making something. I can't just sit around and wait.
 My left arm is in a cast because of massive over-strain with tendinitis. My doctor said absolutely NO to any of the creative things I normally do and to try to minimize how I use my left hand and arm while at work. I could hardly stand it. I am thinking to myself, "I can't draw....at all. I don't plan my designs, so there would be no point in forcing myself to do that." It seemed like I had no options.
Then, I thought, photography! Yes! I'll take pictures. I know very little about photography, but manage to do a decent job taking pictures of my jewelry. So, for now and the forseeable future, taking pictures is how I am going to express myself.
And if anyone has any ideas of artistic things I can do mostly one handed, please let me know. It is looking like I may be wearing this cast much longer than the two weeks the doctor first recommended. Also, I am using PhotoFiltre to edit my photos. If there are any online tools that are free to use, that you think would be fun for me to try, please send me the links!
And a word to anyone else going through something like this. There are always going to be ways to create. You just have to find them.

11 comments:

Mary Lamoray said...

Man Dawn! I can 'so' relate! Although my right hand isn't in a cast, it has been in a lot of pain and now I have lost the feeling in my thumb and in the 'meat of the joint' that connects it to my hand. I've switched to my left hand and am even going to start some actual artwork shortly... attempt, I should say. I have a bunch of dragonflies to do :) anyway, just wanted you to know 'I feel your pain and understand!!'... Photography was also a thought I had as well :)

big hugs! Mary :)

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Mary said...

I think your photography is very good. You have a natural eye for it. Since your stuck at the moment, you will probably develop that talent a great deal.
You don't draw, so I suppose you would'nt like to paint either? That could be done one handed.
I can see you photoshopping your photography and developing more digital graphic skill.
I felt moved by the photo titled 'Meloncholy' on your Flickr.
And the last photo of yourself was painfully beautiful!

cellocarrots said...

Yes, painting wouldn't be an option either. You see, whatever interim hobby I pick up has to be...well...free. I have so much money invested in my jewelry, I can't very well start a set up for another elaborate hobby. Plus, with photography, there is no mess and no clean-up!Thank you for your compliments. I appreciate it. I am just doing whatever makes my eye happy. Completely free from constraints. I need this as a sort of therapy right now.

Scott Schreiber said...

Hey! Nothing wrong with finding 'alternate mediums' to express yourself! As a matter of fact, it's sorta necessary in your case, sweetie....life loses a lot for people like us when we are prevented from "making". That cast will be off soon....hang in there and keep clickin'!

Kisses!

Thomasin Durgin said...

These photos are beautiful! So glad you found another way to express yourself while you wait it out. I hope you are better soon!

Tomi

Blogger Lover said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Teresa said...

Well my friend I am so happy you are out of your cast. I am looking forward to everything "Dawn Blair". You are so incredibly talented :) even if it is just your time and friendship.
Your Friend, Teresa

cynthia-mcdonald said...

I love your blog today, interesting how things happen. I totally believe there is a greater plan, the one we don't see or understand until sometime later. Then it becomes an Aaahh moment. Sending you wishes for a speedy recovery and I love your photos! cm

beadbabe49 said...

Still in a cast? I just saw some of your wire wrapped jewelry and it's lovely! Hope you can get back to it soon!

Sarah Sequins said...

I'm so glad you got better and are making things again! What's really crazy is that right around the time you wrote this, I also had troubles with my left arm, including tendinitis. I went through the same thing, feeling awful because I couldn't do my usual creative things. I just started getting better this past February. So I can totally relate!

-- Sarah