Blindscentz: Art

There are so many benefits to participating in an art program. The social benefit of spending time with community are significant. One can get lost in art as a form of meditation or present moment awareness. This reduces anxiety and stress. One of the greatest benefits is being creative.

Supplied photograph of the birdhouse Edwina made at the NP Potters Guild.

I have often been a trail blazer in life which is a skill that has served me well in adjusting to thriving with vision loss. Over the past three years I have gained many tools and skills to support my community by communicating clearly on what accommodations are needed.

Recently I participated in the 12-week hand-building pottery class. Neither the potter’s guild nor I knew what we were getting into, but we both said yes to the challenge. Both the teacher and I learned a lot. It is not an easy skill to give non-visual cues when you are accustomed to being a visual artist.

I take great pleasure at the inner child that showed up for every session. I was even more delighted to hear that my fellow potters found my pieces that had been fired on the children’s table. I had no expectation of creating a masterpiece first time trying pottery. My teacher helped more than she needed, but we were both learning about what kind of accommodation is needed for blind potters.

As I walk away from the session, I am happy to report I made many pieces I am immensely proud of. Of course, I will be giving one of them to my mom for Mother’s Day! I also have intention to sign up for the next session with a caveat. I have been doing some research and will be working with the FSJ Art’s Council to help them craft a policy regarding accommodations to ensure art is accessible.  There are grants available from both the Canadian and BC Arts Council to pay for a sighted guide. There are also grants available to train the trainers.

What I have learned is that there is so much opportunity to develop accessible art programs in the north.  People with disabilities often face so many barriers, in so many parts of life there is little left to spend cognitive resources on what could be such a beneficial experience.

In fact, I had such a positive experience I think that I will explore and learn more about accessible art programming in the north. There are more opportunities that I have not yet discovered. Art has so many healing benefits. It is often used in art therapy programs.

Some of the challenges or barriers that are faced could be things like access or transportation. Program timing during handidart hours can be considered. Another consideration is accessible bathrooms.  Training for the teachers to help facilitate accessible programming that covers many disabilities to reach all abilities. The ability to collaborate with the artists to understand what accommodations may be required.  For example, I would spend time making templates that would help me keep my clay square when cutting out shapes. Often I have found that in situations where an accommodation is required people will often make assumptions that they know best instead of including or asking me what I might need. When trying something for the first time, I may not know what accommodations will be required for every situation. Together we can figure it out. With experience and exposure, both the artist and teacher will learn how to adapt with ease.

Take some time out and create art that makes you smile. Everyone is a Picasso at heart.

Edwina Nearhood is a long time Fort St. John resident sharing her vision loss journey.  Please remember, every person’s vision loss experience is as unique as they are.