Here is what I sometimes wake up to...I shot this about a week ago...a full moon at dawn.
If you're an Artist and spend a lot of time in the chair, I should make you aware that desk work can be hazardous to your health. I've paid too much attention to my art and work and not enough to my body. I know all too well since 3 bone spurs in my neck have let themselves be made felt. Numbness, pain and tingling, ear ringing, headaches, dizzyness and even hoarseness. Bone spurs...only prevention will keep those away. Once you have them, they can greatly interfere with your daily life. Stretch every 20 minutes if you are spending a lot of time stooped over your fascinating pieces or over the keyboard of your computer.
I've just purchased a couple of yoga dvd's...the better one is called "yoga for inflexible people", lol. Yep, that's me, inflexible. Well, my fingers are very flexible. After all they've been getting the most exercise. Conditioning clay, rolling clay, pinching clay...well, you get the point. After 20 + years of claying, I'm still using my arm to crank that pasta machine and the physiotherapist says I have shoulders built like an elephant! Gee, thanks!! lol. But my shoulder joint is feeling it. I'm thinking that if I get a motor, I'll be even lazier when it comes to exercise, but alas, the rest of the body needs it too and overworking the joints is totally possible with cranking the hard clay through those tight rollers. Relaxation is a must, not just stretching...
Here is one relaxing pose...
Take care,
Hey Tina
ReplyDeleteI really feel for you and am sad you are experiencing all th pain you are. Sadly your pain is a good reminder to the artistic community to take frequent breaks and rest our bodies. I know in the past I hace been guilty of working long periods with out breaks especially when the muse is at her peak of inspiration.
Tina, I've enjoyed your posts and have looked forward to each new one. Sorry that this one concerned health problems. But we are only human (how many times have you heard that one?) Using anything that can help you to not damage your body is not weakness, it's smart. How long do you suppose it will take to "relax" like that lady in the photo? And how many people did it take to help her up off the floor afterwards?
ReplyDeleteSuch is life...full of surprises. Yes, the reminders were there, but my muse didn't listen and it is almost impossible to take a break when one is at a peak of inspiration or in deep contemplation and thought. The signs of strained muscles can be there, but easily ignored when thought is focused elsewhere. Well, morning coffee is over...going outside to stretch and 'pose' a bit, lol.
ReplyDeleteLOL...oh watching that girl, she had no problem getting up, being nice and limber that she is. Me on the other hand, you can hear a lot of joints popping...there was no way getting from that position to a seated position without rolling to the side first. This will take me a while to make a habit, but what are 20 minutes each morning and a few minutes here and there. I'll consider it a coffee break without the coffee.
ReplyDeleteYes, I didn't want to bring out that health reminder card, but what 'they' say about 'Prevention is the best medicine', well they had it right. I forgot to maintain this engine and it got no oil for quite some time, I feel like a rusty tinman, lol.
I'll be doing a more polymer clay related post later on today...