Category Archives: Artists With Disabilities

Angst- Mixed Media Painting

This was one of ‘those’ paintings.
Those paintings that called out from under the bed in want of attention, that I was never content with, but wouldn’t rest until it was dealt with. Today was that day when my emotions needing dealing with and this painting seemed like the best way to express the juxtaposition of living a happy life but being filled with angst for no good reason. I think it happens that way sometimes, at least with me, so the raw emotion of that frustration spilled onto the canvas and at last, this can rest. What you see here is the 7th revision to this piece and I am finally willing to say….done…all done…and walk away. Will deal with the emotions of that too,

8.5″ by 11″ mixed media on board by Ardith Goodwin

#mixedmedia #abstractarteveryday #abstractart

VSA ARTS, for artists with disabilities

Being an artist is what I consider to be a gift, but being an artist with disabilities and part of the international Very Special Arts program along with many other artists who live with disabilities, is a privileged. If you aren't aware of the VSA program, it was created as a component of The Kennedy Center to foster the artistic talents in those who struggle with chronic illness, disease, or disability, and each state, along with many other countries have chapters which support and encourage artists like us. This month, the state chapter of Alabama will host Creativity in the Magic City in Birmingham and artists like me from around the state will gather at the AT&T Center to enjoy a night of celebration and art auctions. My paintings, "Twin Tanks, Twin Towers" was one of two chosen for this show and I am thrilled to be able to share it. If you know of an artist that struggles with disease or disability, I encourage you to reach out to the VSA Program in your state and to the national organization and become a VSA participating artist. Here is a link to the national chapter which has links to the state info as well.

http://www.vsaarts.org/education/vsa/

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Lake Painting

One can only feel blessed by being able to sit out by a lake and paint. There are days I don’t feel up to painting, but today was not one of them and I am thankful. Plein Air Painting is something that intimidates me and it is on that list of challenging art skills I would like to master but for today, abstract miniatures are in the works and I am perfectly fine with that. If you have been stuck in the studio lately, consider moving a table outside, capture a view, and paint on! Might just recharge those artistic juices!

By Ardith Goodwin

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Progress Not Perfection, A Journey of Wellness Week Three

If you have been following me since last July you might be aware that I struggle with orthopedic issues and chronic pain, and that I have had more than my share of surgeries. If you haven’t, to make a long story short, I have had both ankles reconstructed, right knee surgery 9 times with a partial replacement, my lower back fused and my neck fused. (That is the short story, With all that said, I could easily live a life of being defeated but I refuse to. Three weeks ago my doctor gave me a challenge that if I wanted to age to the best of my ability, considering my spine and joint issues, I would have to make some changes….so I am.
I started out with simple ones, like giving up sugary drinks, letting go of fast food, and such. These were easier to do than I thought. I then began to really consider my diet, why I ate, what I ate, and when. I did this because I knew it wasn’t about a diet, it was about a life change. With every little change I could see a small difference, and it feels good.
This week I started out with my biggest hurdle….exercise. I knew that I could only do that in a pool, so I joined one, and began ever so slowly to walk and then start deep water exercise with a float belt. I have surprised myself. Walking without falling is a challenge on land, but in the water I can do this well, I can even RUN, for a short period of time. I can’t tell you how important this is because one of my dreams is that I will be able to run on land again without a walker…and I will achieve that dream, despite the surgeries, despite the foot drop, despite the pain.
10 pounds down, one step at a time, and progress has been made. My challenge is a huge one, but I am determined to rise above my disabilities and love my body as much as possible. For today, I am reminded that I can do more than I ever though, it simply takes moving one foot in front of the other and allowing my mind and heart to tell me….Yes…I can.

Google+: View post on Google+ by Ardith Goodwin

Orthopedic Challenges Vs. Optimism

Most days I am pretty optimistic. In fact, I have often been called a Pollyanna because of my insane optimism at times despite the huge obstacles I have faced while walking the planet. But, today, in this moment, I feel the need to vent, to embrace my discouragement and frustration, and say to myself, “It’s not ok today.” Many of you know my history, but most probably don’t. The short summary is that I am on my 24th surgery in my 44 years due to a genetic orthopedic issue that wears my joints/ligaments out too quickly. Both ankles have been rebuilt, my right knee is partially replaced, my neck is fused, and my lumber has 6 screws keeping it stable. All of this led me to have to leave my beloved teaching career and face life a bit differently. I am ok with differently. I am even ok with dealing with medical challenges for the most part because I know how much worse it could be. I am not facing a terminal illness. Yes, I live with a life of chronic pain, but I will take that any day over a terminal illness and 99% of the time I embrace the fact that I live an extraordinary life. Yesterday though, on a day where I learned that another disc, the one above my fusion has collapsed, I am angry.
It would be one thing if I had lifted a car or something, or tried to climb a tree and busted my behind, but no. I simply woke up and had another excruciating shot of pain wake me to reality and remind me that my body is not my friend at times. It’s not fair, it doesn’t make sense, and it can be infuriating in light of the dreams and visions my mind has dancing around….ones I will never see to fruition for the most part.
My art and my faith will be what pulls me through again, along with the support of my family and friends. I just simply wish they wouldn’t have to. For today I simply wish that I could begin a year and know that it will be one of wellness and healing and outrageous joy. I will get there, I will. But it won’t be today, and once I get past the anger, deal with the path that is before me, I will be ok. I am grateful though to be able to say to a group of friends like you all that life just sucks sometimes. I’ll get my pollyanna on tomorrow, but right now……gahhhhhhhhhh!

In album Xrays (5 photos)

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By Ardith Goodwin

Mindful Awareness Week 4 – Appreciating My Hands

Week 4 – Appreciating My Hands

Hands. Fingers. Fingernails. Skin. Wrinkles. 

As much as I depend on these two hands of mine it is true, I don’t stop and give a ton of thought into being appreciative of them. This week our challenge was to make a special effort to consider the importance of our two hands. 

I gave this a good bit of thought at first, I mean, I paused and considered how to look at my hands this week through different eyes. I wanted to ‘see’ my hands as separate entities so that I could gain some insight in to just how vitally important they are. To do this, I decided to use a strategy I loved back in the day of when I taught elementary school. I used my Wonder Cards. 

Mini Wonder Cards

Wonder Cards are simply a way to organize information about a topic, in preparation for writing a paper about it. My Wonder Question was “Why Are My Hands So Significant?” Once I knew my Wonder Question, I made cards asking more detailed questions that would truly give me a complete perspective about my hands. These are the ‘Mini-Questions’ I asked myself:

1. What function do my hands mainly serve?

2. How do those functions affect my daily life?

3. What causes my hands to change over time?

4. Does the appearance of my hands stir emotions? Why?

5. What do I love/hate about them?

6. How would my life change without them?

7. How do my hands affect others? 

As I began to answer these mini-questions I realized my answers were too easy, too obvious. I wanted to think through them, to challenge my intellect and approach this topic out of the box, so I began to research a few things. 

I attempted to complete tasks using no hands. 

I asked people questions about their own hands. 

I looked back through my photographs to see if hands were significant enough to have been photographed.

I studied the form and function of their anatomy. 

I pampered my hands and showed them love. 

I listed inward and outward factors that altered my hands. 

I meditated, pondered, and considered how my hands were used as instruments of peace or instruments of hate. 

As each day went by, I became acutely aware at just how significant they are. Not simply from a use point of view, but from an attachment point of view. This exercise stirred emotions I was not aware of, like how important it is that I see my mothers and fathers fingers in my hands, and the connection I feel when I see that. It also made me value their ability to show love to my hubs, my child, and myself in a physical way simply by touch. When I realized how much I hated certain parts of my hands, but loved others, it made me understand a lot more of how I see myself and how I perceive that others see me. This all was enlightening. 

After all the reflection, research, writing, drawing, and thinking about my hands I felt that I could answer my Wonder Question with greater insight than I had expected. Here is what I learned: 

My hands are used to create beauty.

As a matter of function, they rule.  They hold, caress, grip, stroke, tap, tinker, and take apart the tiniest parts of my life and allow the largest parts to exists. Without them, I would lose many of the juicy tidbits about life that I love. They hold the reflection of who I am, where I come from, and the promise of where I am headed. My hands are the vessels that allow me to express beauty, love, and emotions which show the best of me and the worst of me. They speak, they feed, they nourish my days through fragile moments and at times, with great strength. My hands are beautifully made, connected to my mind and heart, and by my choice can serve as agents of peace or agents of madness. They never act alone. My hands are significant, because without them, my ability to live as a Creative would be affected beyond measure. As hands are measures of time as well, I am deeply grateful to understand their connection with that greater consciousness. May I value them always, and choose to use them to share beauty, never to harm. 

My hands are the keys to unlocking who I am.

The Challenge of December

I have a love hate relationship with December. When the end of my birthday month rolls around and Dec. 1st approaches I let out a collective sigh about the upcoming month of bliss and hell, and yes, that is what it is for me. You see, I am one of those who have traumatic memories attached to this month, who loathe what the season has become in monetary ways, and who finds the balance of being filled with intense gratitude for life all the while kicking the crap out of the “ick” I feel a bit overwhelming. I have spent years and money towards therapy, I have wrapped myself in more ribbon and merriment than should be legal, and I have embraced my family and blessings repeatedly because I know they are what's important, along with celebrating the birth of Christ which is part of my faith.

Regardless of the effort, there are simply some days of this month that I trudge through, that I would rather dig a hole and bury my head in, and that I would love to run a dump truck over. In between those I am utterly filled with glee about sharing the holidays with all of the folks that make up my beautiful life.

So today, I say a prayer for those who, like me, find this month a challenge. I lift a glass and toast those who are blessed enough to find the month blissful, and if I could I would give each and every one of you a gigantic hug and say a simple “Thank You!” You help make my life grand….even in the midst of ick,

Here is a Santa, made from lots of Santas headed toward the trash can. I just couldn't help myself, HO, HO, HO!

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It’s Gonna Be All Right

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There are no coincidences. I truly believe this. As much as I believe there is a God who loves me, I believe there is an evil force in our world trying to conquer my significance and light. In these two truths, at least to me, I believe nothing happens by chance. I believe one of these two forces in my world, God or evil, moves and life reacts around me, and I to it. Strong beliefs, yes. Controversial, to some. But in this year of my life, I am boldly saying, you don’t have to agree with me, this is who I am, this is what I believe, and I love you regardless.

Two weeks ago I had my neck fused. Many of you know this, but many of my new fans and friends may not. Actually, this was my 23rd surgery, no car wreck, just a joint disease that has been a challenge since I was 23. Despite the physical limitations I have faced, the pain, the tears, I have and still believe I live a beautiful, unimaginable life, and am grateful.




Surgery is hard. Many of you know this, and many of who may be facing surgery are probably apprehensive, scared, and worried. I was, with every one. I have also had to deal with the post-operative depression that comes afterwards. Not to everyone, but to some, and to me, often. Part of it is meds, part pain, part life issues that surround me, but like my approach to everything, this will not conquer me, it’s gonna be all right.


Today, after almost two months, my Occupational Therapist worked with me to begin painting again. Not a masterpiece, just a simple piece of art to teach me how my posture and adaptations will change for the rest of my life if I want to keep painting. The neck brace, it will be my new best friend. I kinda look at it at this point as an albatross around my neck but I will mentally deal with that because expressing myself creatively is a must, and I will not allow my physical limitations to conquer me either.

The back brace is a new, and constant friend, too. The collar keeps my neck from bending down, the brace helps my core stay stable. And, as I am told, starting small, with baby steps is what I must do, so I will. I wanted to share these with you, because many of my friends struggle with neck and back pain who are artists. If you know of any art friends who face these same issues, please share my blog with them. I have found limited resources and would love for them to know they are not alone. These are my adaptations, but they just might help you as well, especially if you are healing like I am. The painting is simply a start. I have no clue what it will turn into, but it felt good to put paint to paper and feel connected to the artistic spirit that flows within me.


And in the midst of all of this, life can actually fall apart, or it seems. Tears will flow, fears will become real, but in those moments I stop myself and simply breathe, breathe in God, breathe out everything else. My dear friend Terri Keller knows this, and for us, and hopefully many of you, those moments are what becomes the glue to our sanity.


A few hours ago I checked my Facebook page and my blessed college friend Pam had posted a video for me that made her think of me. This is where I know, coincidences don’t happen. Every word of that video I needed to hear, to know, to believe, and there it was on my page. God is like that. To me, it’s not about religion, it’s about a loving God who knows how to gently reach out is hand, even through FB, and say, “I have you, I love you.”

As I researched more about Sara Groves, this artist, her song, “It’s Gonna Be All Right” struck a chord, especially the quotes. I felt the two videos simply needed to be shared, for private reasons, and for the simple fact that someone out there might need to know, IT WILL BE ALL RIGHT, in time, in faith, with the support of others. I love all of you, I love that you follow my stories, my journey of courage and healing, but most of all, that you love me for me, faults and all. Stay strong my friends, it can be overcome, it can be done, and WE WILL HEAL!

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

A Snail’s Pace is Perfect

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It has been almost two months since I created, painted, or delved into that whimsical world of mine that is as much a part of me as my faith. Actually, I believe they are intertwined, and the time has been oppressive. That doesn’t mean I have laid wailing and whining about a horrible life, on the contrary. My life is blessed beyond measure. It simply means there are parts of us, that make us each unique, and when one or more of those parts slip away, the person begins to fade just a bit. In my world, I hate to fade. 


One week ago I had my neck fused. Surgery isn’t new to me, but what that means in reality is that the creative process will take a bit longer to come back full circle. This morning, I went into my studio, lit a candle, and breathed in God and breathed out everything else. I have missed this place. The place of being surrounding by color, and potential, and imagination, but mostly the place where God is in the midst of it. As I sat, I pulled out a quote by Ira Glass and spent a long, southern bit of time pondering it, kinda like my grandpa used to do on the front porch in his rocking chair. 

What I gained from this is that part of healing is loving myself enough to believe a snail’s pace is perfect for now. I may draw a line on a paper, I may simply dream in color, watch the sun dance through my colored glass window, or I might even go back to my all time love of Play-doh. No matter the pace or the product, the beauty is that for me, creativity doesn’t have to be limited to making a painting or a collage. It is simply part of who I am, part of my beautiful world, and God has been surrounding me with it the entire time. 

It is easy to feel defeated. Physical pain can zap my zeal in an instant. Emotional and Mental Pain can completely debilitate me. But for today, I am choosing to embrace my creativity in much smaller ways, find the juicy tidbits of joy that surround me, and give myself permission to create anything, knowing full good and well the best of me will show itself when it is meant to. In that I am content. 

Regardless of where you are, I hope his quote encourages you to see that creativity is meant to be experienced daily, in some form, no matter how small…..nothing or no one is insignificant!

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

Start From The Beginning

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Beginnings are part of us, each day, each moment, each breath.

I believe it is how we approach these beginnings that move us forward into our journey or cause us to stumble and fall back. 

Neither motion defines our lives, but the culmination of the beginnings eventually leads us into a place we call “identity.” 

I pray today that my beginnings bring me to the point where my identity is at PEACE with the person I believe myself to be, and one who brings courage to those taking their own first steps…..to begin again.

http://www.redbubble.com/people/debbiechayes/art/6233576-baby-steps

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf