From surgery to cast to imprimatura

Patricia Joyce · 05-10-2009, 11:49 AM

Thanks, Thomasin. I'm feeling freed up from having to "perform", just messing around, having some frustrated, fun! Today I am going to try drawing which will be harder than this painting was. At least I am working my eyes and attempting hand coordination is better than sitting around frustrated....

Debra Jones · 05-10-2009, 12:05 PM

Thank you for your good wishes, and I am excited to see what you do next. Remember, be patient with yourself. I can feel your frustration. I discuss with my friends, there are things we can do and things we MUST do. I don't think some people understand that in artists. Even if we have had the luxury to do it all our lives as a hobby, it is gift we sort of take for granted unless we are unable. At that point it is no longer a gift it is a mandate.

I will watch your progress and become a cheer leader! But be kind to yourself. It is all new!

dj*

Debra Rexroat · 05-11-2009, 02:50 PM

I guess it is true that some people have more talent in their little finger than others could ever aspire to! What a wonderful feeling it is to overcome a hand-icap and be able to create something while you are recovering from your surgery! Pretty impressive!

Patricia Joyce · 05-11-2009, 02:53 PM

Thank you for the support and positive remarks, Debras!!

Marvin Mattelson · 05-12-2009, 12:35 AM

Hi Patty,

I was going to suggest you hold the brush in your mouth but then I realized there was no way you could keep from talking! ;-)

I wish you a speedy and full recovery. I'm glad you decided to take the bull by the horns and put this issue to bed.

Patricia Joyce · 05-12-2009, 09:27 AM

Hey Marvin,
Ah, you know me too well. In fact just before entering my studio today, I cried out , "Hellooooo my Studio!" I rattle on even when I am alone...

thanks for all of your support. I still have what feels like a long road ahead with physical therapy before I can hold anything, but better now than later!

Laurel Alanna McBrine · 05-12-2009, 10:16 AM

As a visual artist, I always thought losing one's sight would be the greatest tragedy, but losing use of the dominant hand (even temporarily) we use to create is right up there, so I really feel for you.

Sometimes a break can be good, with opportunity to think, read and incubate ideas, so I am sure you will take full advantage of what you can do and come back even stronger!

Tom Edgerton · 05-22-2009, 06:04 PM

Patty--

You GO! I'll remember this if I ever get laid up. No excuses, right?

-T

Patricia Joyce · 05-23-2009, 03:42 PM

That's right, Tom, no excuses. Out of sympathy I finally got my husband to sit for me and this is the sketch I did using a pencil in my right first two fingers and my left hand. What a challenge. It feels exactly like being in grade school except I KNOW what I want to do, but just can't get there. But I figure it is still good exercise in seeing, don't want to lose that acuity. I've gotta laugh at this attempt, however, I did still get his likeness, just a bit ...off!!!

Try it sometime. You will never ever take your hand for granted again.

Debra Jones · 05-24-2009, 02:53 AM

You know, most people on GOOD days can't do that.

Like I said, you are encouraging me. I am positive some early carpal tunnel stuff is kicking in, as my index finger likes to stop feeling every so often. NOW would be a better time to practice wrong hand drawing, before I MUST! Give the overworked hand a rest and see if it helps.

You are inspiring.
dj*