CHRISTIAN COMIC ARTS SOCIETY :: A NETWORK OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP FOR COMICS FANS, PROS, AND AMATEURS

Over coming physical adversity in art

Today was one of those days where things looked like they were going to go right! I planned to side down and draw hands all of the late afternoon. I had the house to myself, so there would be very little disruptions. I finished my chores for the day (I cleaned the back deck a much needed task!). Then went for a short run to the gym and lifted weights and stopped for a take out on the way home. I checked the mail on the way home and just got AutoDesk Pro in the mail! I had my wings, my jazz, my cold beverage, and my new software. I sat down and started drawing. THEN! Right hand cramps and spasms. (a complication due to an old injury). I tried taking my potassium tablets and drinking nearly a gallon of water but no dice! Hand still cramping and I cant hold the pen steady! Needless to say I was mildly upset and even more frustrated! Then the Holy Spirit, posed the question..."Why are you complaining?" I then thought some more. I prayed and gave God thanks for the talent, the software, the ability and strength to workout, the agility to run, the sermon that I listened to while cleaning up and most of all Him speaking to me when I need to be more mature. So I put down the pen, and post the few drawings that I could bang out. I realized that I was drawing for nearly 90 minutes. So I praised God for the 90 minutes. I thought of the people I know who have lost hands, feet3448611162?profile=original, legs, and eyes. They cant do any of the things I did today. God you are awesome! Anyone else have a similar experience?

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  • @ brien. wOW! I didn't notice that about the left hand drawing. thanks for the tips on posture. I have to keep that in mind too.

  • I notice all your (well drawn)hands are of the left, possibly your right hand is cramping to get equal attention. Seriously though, praising while drawing is a beautiful habit for a beautiful God.  And very necessary to make a habit because my mind easily slides into the 'creation flow' then 'editing aggrivations' when all my lines don't do what I want.  I think I'll post a reminder to the side of my drawing board to remind me that my drawing is an act of worship.

    PS.Amanda- your drawing posture becomes really critical as you get more serious about your art, which I notice you are. Because couches and beds rock your body back, you will eventually hyper-extend your back and neck, and the pain will stop your art, period.  There are many cheap alternatives on the road to a pro artdesk-chair set-up (I use a 2 by three board propped up on books as part of my set up), but preventing injury to your body now is worth far more than dealing with the remediation later. One immediate thing you can do is shift between several different postures; for example my son does hours of keyboarding standing up, next to a keyboard on a 3 and a half foot shelf. God bless.

  • @ amanda,

    we will be in prayer that God creates a space for you to draw and create. I am faithful he will provide a "ram in the bush" for a desk and chair that fits your need. And you will know that it comes from Him because it will fit you and your style perfectly!

  • Oh wow, talk about God in the midst of the storm! That is an awesome story and reminder that we should always be thankful.

    The way it is at the moment I cannot afford a desk and chair for my apartment (and my apartment is too small to have somewhere to put one) so I do everything on my bed or on my couch. After about an hour or so, my back gives out, and starts hurting and I have to stop my art. It sucks when like you say you finally have the time to devote to art. But then I am thankful to be able to do the art and writing that I do. I look at my mom who has bad arthritis in her hands arms legs and feet and I have to praise God in the midst of it all :)

  • Wow, that sounds like more than a coincidence, and God bless your humble heart and readiness to overcome. Your drawings look great!
  • didn't even think of the irony... hand acting up when I was trying to draw hands. God has a great sense of humor! ;-)
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