tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post1077463482718413982..comments2023-06-13T08:29:39.914+00:00Comments on MAKING A MARK: Artists overcoming disabilitiesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-84827899193935516422013-03-22T06:30:27.132+00:002013-03-22T06:30:27.132+00:00I also have somewhat of a disability, though never...I also have somewhat of a disability, though never think of myself as disabled. I have a hand tremor in both hands, but more so in my left (Left Handed). I gave up drawing for about 20 years but started up again in 2009. I have found natural ways to minmize the tremors.<br />Sorry to hear about your vision problems, I hope the surgery works out for you.<br /><br />~JohnJohn Garretthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03239247927329310657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-13491601725301945082013-03-01T16:30:02.843+00:002013-03-01T16:30:02.843+00:00This blog entry is a great reminder to focus on st...This blog entry is a great reminder to focus on strengths rather than weaknesses. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about your situation and I wish you good health and quick healing.KayDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17480521035616985735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-48842998613646101652013-03-01T16:14:47.080+00:002013-03-01T16:14:47.080+00:00I've got cataracts developing in both eyes, bu...I've got cataracts developing in both eyes, but so far they are not too serious. (Except ironically enough the Captcha images required to post - I always have problems with them)<br /><br />I've got various joint related problems in my knees and ankles which severely limit my mobility so I have to either stay close to the car or work from photographs. Getting up onto the moors in Yorkshire and Northumberland, my favourite places in the world, is simply no longer possible. Plus my wife has MS so I need to stay close to home unless I can arrange cover.<br /><br />In the end though you persevere - in my case my art has become based on memory and more and more abstract.ianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07850994383482463103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-71114836456569988342013-02-28T00:00:08.320+00:002013-02-28T00:00:08.320+00:00Sending you best wishes and positive energy! May y...Sending you best wishes and positive energy! May you get back to your passion of making art asap :) Meera Raohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15578893085543656099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-18892184337814353582013-02-27T17:40:59.257+00:002013-02-27T17:40:59.257+00:00Jacqui - I don't remember seeing an earlier co...Jacqui - I don't remember seeing an earlier comment on this topic on the blog - and I've checked and there's nothing waiting to moderate. Maybe you commented on Facebook?<br /><br />With the "Who painted this?" posts, the comments are never published if correct until the following Friday. That way the competition stays live to all those who are participating. I know I've published comments by you for this.Making A Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13509483023337008890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-5593258501675561782013-02-27T17:30:48.269+00:002013-02-27T17:30:48.269+00:00I have a feeling you are not receiving my comments...I have a feeling you are not receiving my comments as I have posted a few recently - 2 on who painted this and one for this post and none of them have appeared.jacqui boyd aldenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05088700896864263856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-31481645068126866202013-02-27T04:12:25.818+00:002013-02-27T04:12:25.818+00:00Katherine, best wishes for successful surgeries an...Katherine, best wishes for successful surgeries and a speedy recovery. You’re an inspiration to many artists and we’ll surely miss you even if for a short time.<br />This was a wonderful post!opercenEster Roihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11540070570505996657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-77887112486505719542013-02-27T00:13:17.765+00:002013-02-27T00:13:17.765+00:00Thank you so much for this article, Katherine. I h...Thank you so much for this article, Katherine. I had seen the film of Renoir, but had not seen the article. It's wonderfully informative. I also have Rheumatoid, mainly in my hands and shoulders, and so have had to adapt some of my artistic pursuits because of that. <br /><br />I am sorry to hear of the problems you have with the connective tissue disease (my mom had scleroderma)...and I wish you all the very best with your cataract surgery!Lissa Rachellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18218759399509635408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-67151400877921812512013-02-26T21:08:40.421+00:002013-02-26T21:08:40.421+00:00Not neurotic, any adult would be worried about eye...Not neurotic, any adult would be worried about eye surgery. People said I was brave as a child but I was just too young to know any different, we think too much as adults.tansy lee moirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07168393060215467664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-4844286159882987632013-02-26T20:44:10.672+00:002013-02-26T20:44:10.672+00:00You had me worried as soon as I read your comment
...You had me worried as soon as I read your comment<br /><br />I of course automatically assumed that the sharp edges were in the eyes - and not the paintings.<br /><br />Neurotic about eyes or what?Making A Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13509483023337008890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-74300295905605025662013-02-26T20:33:00.882+00:002013-02-26T20:33:00.882+00:00Perhaps Katherine, I'm told it would be possib...Perhaps Katherine, I'm told it would be possible to have lens implants now but at the moment the risks of more surgery outweigh the benefits. Not sure how I'd cope with everything having sharp edges either.tansy lee moirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07168393060215467664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-90736627979651776812013-02-26T19:35:16.073+00:002013-02-26T19:35:16.073+00:00Many thanks Tansy.
I'm just wondering with ...Many thanks Tansy. <br /><br />I'm just wondering with the miracles of modern technology whether they could maybe improve matters for you now?Making A Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13509483023337008890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-66440708529025293492013-02-26T19:28:09.924+00:002013-02-26T19:28:09.924+00:00Your description of cataracts and childhood eye ex...Your description of cataracts and childhood eye exams is strangely familiar Katherine - I had congenital cataracts as a child and was effectively blind for a few months whilst waiting for surgery. I was one of the first patients to have them removed at Moorfields when I was 7 using the method now common but very new in the mid '70s, in fact some of my op was on tv though I couldn't see it at the time!<br />I couldn't have replacement lenses then and rely on contacts and glasses to correct my vision now, but it is by no means perfect. I think it's no coincidence that my artwork is quite large, high contrast and usually monochrome or subdued in colour. An insightful art college tutor once wondered if my vision problems had led to my strong desire to draw what I saw. <br />I hope all goes well with your surgery and you are able to benefit from it quickly. It will certainly change the way you see the world - I recommend Oliver Sacks' book 'The Mind's Eye' once the fog has cleared!tansy lee moirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07168393060215467664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-11819218225815745712013-02-26T18:54:53.376+00:002013-02-26T18:54:53.376+00:00Katherine,
It's a credit to you for all you do...Katherine,<br />It's a credit to you for all you do accomplish with health issues.<br />I know because I grew up with a Dad who had Multiple Sclerosis most of his adult life and he refused to give in. He was a Department Chairman and taught full time job at a college, did freelance work, restored cars and had five kids.<br />It really IS all about willpower as the stories in your post also illustrate.<br /><br />Many times we thought he was going to lose control of the left side of his body. Without complaint he simply taught himself to write, draw and paint with his right hand just in case (he was left-handed).<br />Artwork done with his left hand he always signed with his last name. Artwork done with his right hand he signed with his first name.<br /><br />When he was in a wheel chair he decided NO and pushed himself to get out of it and keep walking.<br />He put away the wheel chair and never looked back.<br /><br />Myself and siblings have been fortunate. We haven't any real problems, like his, other than usual age-related ailments.<br />Never give up. David Teterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16747334525619423349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-58429472166714877212013-02-26T18:49:29.683+00:002013-02-26T18:49:29.683+00:00There is a gallery in Edinburgh that supports disa...There is a gallery in Edinburgh that supports disabled artists - http://www.thegalleryonthecorner.org.uk/ . <br />Personally I have more chronic conditions than I am happy to talk about. However, I am hoping to have surgery on my painting shoulder some time soon so that I can lift my arm high enough to use an easel. It is scary - so best wishes and hope it all goes well.janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13588901637630537211noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-29416720755873743112013-02-26T15:57:22.268+00:002013-02-26T15:57:22.268+00:00I had this operation done several years ago with a...I had this operation done several years ago with a week between because I was extremely short-sighted.This week was spent listening and watching with one eye. Thought I could use my old glasses with just the one lens but this left me dizzy and unable to move. I asked the surgeon why he could not just give me 20/20 vision when he was at it. He laughed and told me my brain was going to have enough to cope with!<br />It took me quite a long time to cope with the changes but getting back clear sight made up for the slight ajustments that my brain had to make. Got a bit black and blue from hitting door frames is all! The op. itsself is quite a visual experience just wait and see..better than any kaleidoscope.<br />Best luck<br />edithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07720943333591645902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-59573295469316522132013-02-26T12:52:00.461+00:002013-02-26T12:52:00.461+00:00Katherine, thank you! I also hate taking the amoun...Katherine, thank you! I also hate taking the amount and type of painkillers I take BUT I have tried to give them up/try alternatives many times and I literally cannot move without them. I have to accept that although they may be slowly damaging me, my quality of life is so much improved by taking them, so, for me, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13261934764305673521noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-43999988979873979172013-02-26T12:41:39.937+00:002013-02-26T12:41:39.937+00:00Many thanks Suzy - I hope your tear gets better.Many thanks Suzy - I hope your tear gets better.Making A Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13509483023337008890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-73599852639590407362013-02-26T12:39:32.760+00:002013-02-26T12:39:32.760+00:00Amanda - your watercolours are amazing - and even ...Amanda - your watercolours are amazing - and even more so for knowing that you achieved them with despite your issues re how your body works.<br /><br />Painkillers are the one thing I try to avoid taking if possible - I'm always concerned about the amount of damage they can also do. Making A Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13509483023337008890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-2002556722694942072013-02-26T12:35:46.369+00:002013-02-26T12:35:46.369+00:00Thanks Shirley. Spacing out effort does appear to...Thanks Shirley. Spacing out effort does appear to be a major tip for all those who struggle with arthritis.<br /><br />So do you think you might take up juggling? ;)Making A Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13509483023337008890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-48058293428755295762013-02-26T12:34:07.894+00:002013-02-26T12:34:07.894+00:00Thanks Claire - all the reports of people having g...Thanks Claire - all the reports of people having good sight after the replacement of lenses makes me feel better!<br /><br />Best wishes for your achievement of better mobility of your right side. Making A Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13509483023337008890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-2420432860644312372013-02-26T12:32:22.236+00:002013-02-26T12:32:22.236+00:00Malcolm - I'd be very happy to contribute to t...Malcolm - I'd be very happy to contribute to this as I do think there's a lot of stuff people need to be aware of BEFORE they develop problems.<br /><br />I've also got very severe problems linked to a connective tissue disorder which means I'm unable to grip right with my hands and standing on my feet is a big problem (because of destruction to soft tissue in feet and ankles due to falls and tears). There are always ways round problems - and you do learn to live with things - including pain. However I'd love to have known how to protect myself from further damage before it was incurred and before one learns how to live with pain!Making A Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13509483023337008890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-81853049611710316032013-02-26T12:11:02.552+00:002013-02-26T12:11:02.552+00:00Hi, thank you for this beautiful post. I suffer fr...Hi, thank you for this beautiful post. I suffer from chronic eye strain, my eyes actually spasm they are so messed up. The joints in my hands are deteriorating too. To see the joy and focus which Renoir held in this video makes me determined not to waste my life dwelling upon my limitations. I wish you the very best of luck with your operation.<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />GrameUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10693120871801660888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-72865289056658007772013-02-26T11:28:18.003+00:002013-02-26T11:28:18.003+00:00Thankyou so much for this post. I also suffer fro...Thankyou so much for this post. I also suffer from sever Rheumotoid Arthritis, since I was 44. I have also had to adapt my work methods and spread out my art time to small manageable chunks. This post has inspired me. <br />I look forward to seeing your posts on how your 'new eyes' effect your work. ShirleyG-Artstuffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00377154563730213443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20645140.post-28985208899850304972013-02-26T11:04:41.346+00:002013-02-26T11:04:41.346+00:00i suffered a stroke 5 years ago (aged 43) and am s...i suffered a stroke 5 years ago (aged 43) and am still paralyzed on my right side... i'm learning to draw/paint/craft left-handed...<br />also my hubbie had his eye lenses replaced 10 years - it has transformed his vision! sending you good, healing thoughts as you prepare for your surgery... :)Clairehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11236906641354002595noreply@blogger.com