Adaptive Art and Writing Tools For a writer, artist, student, or anyone that writes or draws, pain and inflammation can be devastating. After years of worstening symptoms and nearly quitting, I adapted both my style and set of writing and art tools so that I can continue to do both, even while the results are different. Physical Limitations During my life, I had experienced occasional carpal tunnel syndrome. However, in my 40s a confluence of conditions (autoimmune and arthritic) brought me to being barely able to hold a pen, knife, or fork. Fingers swelled, as did my palm and thumb. I would wake up with trigger thumb. I went from taking (and teaching) art and comics courses and improving my skills, to being able to barely scratch out my name. These days, I have workarounds. True, I still cannot grip or use a regular pen or pencil alone, I cannot erase, and circles continue to be near impossible. But there is hope. I have found preferred writing and art implements and mobility too...
Candy's Block is a creative space for comics, crafts and art, creatives and artists, current events, culture, caregiving, and community (non-profit, Philly, Gen X, and worldwide).