After a long bout with back/neck/shoulder pain, I'm slowly getting back into the studio, and would appreciate any suggestions for not screwing myself up again. (This is a picture of one of my brother's horses. Amazing. Just hurts looking at him, doesn't it?)
I switched to a high sit/stand stool for throwing earlier this year and it really helped. I stand and/or perch on the stool. Recently changed out to softer clay and really don't know why I didn't do that sooner...
I think my problem seems to happen when I'm trimming and torqued over sideways to see what I'm doing... I've put a mirror in front of me but, unless it's me being undisciplined (which very well could be) I don't "see" how it gives me the view I'm needing as I trim.
Any suggestions for the mirror set-up or other ideas?
Famous Maker Challenges -- Thanks so much to everyone for "playing" along with this. It was fun and kept me blogging occasionally while I was recuperating!
Lana Wilson was the answer to the last challenge and Judy Shreve came in first! Thanks everyone for playing along!
11 comments:
It sounds like you have done everything to make throwing/trimming easier on your body. I know I get up & move around frequently & I also do yoga on a regular basis. That's what helps me!
Hope you find all your changes keep you feeling good enough to make work!
You know what makes me sore, head to toe? Blogging. Stupid reason to stiffen up!
Thanks Judy! Yoga does sound good. I think I might give that a try... The challenge is finding the time. Jeesh.
Gary - no kidding. My "real" job is in marketing/PR and it's a busy time, so I'm on the computer a lot anyway. I just need a robot clone... or maybe several.
So, you work full-time plus run a stuido/gallery?
I recently switched to standing after compressing a disc changing a flat last spring.
My doc also gave me some excercises to strengthen my core/abs. Yoga would be excellent as well.
I used to use a mirror when sitting, and you're not being undisciplined, it just take a while to get used to remembering it's there and using it. I find I don't really need it anymore from a full standing position.
oh my, that horse photo makes me cringe, ridden too young or what - yikes, I feel sorry for him, wonder if it hurts?
If my back starts to even get a twinge, I stop what I am doing immediately, get one of those soft ice packs I keep in the freezer and put it on my back and sit/recline for 15 minutes. I also sleep with a flat pillow between my knees when my back isn't doing well, supposed to keep your spine aligned. Twisting while bending over is the worst thing you can do for your back, so I have been told. Hope your back is all better now.
since I know nothing about pottery - I can't be of any help but I'm sorry you've been hurting! I hope it's better soon....
Ouch... that poor horse! bet he feels like you do - I have this picture in my head of the two of you doing yoga together....
I too use a mirror and have propped up my wheel and use a tilted high stool. This way I'm at level with the wheel and don't bend over AS much. Yet there are still times I can't avoid bending over and twisting to the right to see the form even though the mirror is there. I've had to start throwing in shorter spurts and getting up more in between and casually stretching. Soft clay helps too! I haven't started yoga classes but think maybe that's where I'm headed next or soon if I can just make myself have the time for it. Also, when I'm working at the table on the banding wheel, I lift it up onto a bucket so it's at eye level and I'm not scrunching my back and neck to look at the form. It's so hard to retrain yourself how to sit and work, isn't it?
Hi Gary - Well, only sometimes... I have my own business and, after many years going more than full time at it, I scaled back several years ago, no longer manage a staff, work from a home office and only have four clients. Most of the time, it's no more than 20 hours a week. I really like working with them and the projects are fun and interesting. And, the big plus, I now have lots of studio time during most weeks.
Thanks for the suggestions everybody! I really appreciate the support and kind words. Yoga is in my future...
Linda: I did the pillow thing last night and slept much better. I used to know about that, and I "forgot"... Thanks for the reminder!
Joy and Brian: I really appreciate your comments. It's nice to know that I'm not alone in having this "challenge," and that I can adjust my working and my pace to stay healthy!
Kimberly: Loved your imagery!
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