Nurturing Creativity and Well-being: A Holistic Approach to Making Jewellery When You Have Dexterity Issues.

Overcoming dexterity challenges when making jewellery isn't just about physical adaptations - it's also about nurturing your creativity and overall well-being. Here's how I'm approaching this:

My studio display wall acts as a creative catalyst as well as a reminder of things I have previously achieved.

Hand Exercises

The aftermath of COVID-19 left me with unexpected long-term effects on my dexterity. My once-reliable hands now struggled with the simplest tasks. I've incorporated hand exercises into my daily routine. Finger stretches, grip strengthening with a stress ball, and fine motor activities have gradually improved my dexterity and confidence. These types of exercises can greatly improve hand strength, hypermobility of the fingers and wrists and arthritis, but make sure you speak to your medical professional before taking on new exercise.

Slowing Down and Mindfulness

I've learned to embrace a slower pace, focusing on the quality of my work or creative experience, rather than speed and perfection. This mindful approach has not only reduced muscle strain but has also deepened my understanding of the techniques I use, as I take time to reflect on problem-solving, why things have not worked, rather than becoming frustrated because I can't do something. We learn through mistakes. While they are frustrating in the short term, they are invaluable in building our knowledge and experience, making us better jewellers in the long term.

Exploring New Techniques

Adapting to my current abilities has led me to experiment with new techniques. I've fallen in love with sand casting and, in particular, creating larger statement pieces with organic textures. It's expanded my creative practice in unexpected ways. Using ready-made items to create new designs can be a satisfying way to kick-start creativity.

Continuous Learning

I've embraced being a student again by taking workshops and online classes to learn new techniques. It's not only expanded my skill set but has also ignited my inspiration. I have now signed up for a two-day, hand-engraving course. Something I never would have considered previously due to the level of dexterity required and the risk of injury from the sharp tools.

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What I Am Yet To Do, But Plan To:

Art Therapy

Traditional Art Therapy Techniques can be problematic for people with aphantasia. Tasks such as 'drawing emotions' or even freely doodling can be difficult when you can't visualise. Many common therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Neurolinguistic Programming, Mindfulness and Meditation, rely on your ability to visualise. How do you "go to a happy place" when you can't visualise, or recall other senses, such as sound?

However, there is still a lot to gain from creating freely. From letting your hand wander the page, creating a collage or jumping into an activity on a whim to see where it takes you.

During my Jewellery Degree, I created 'supporting' work as each impulse took me. There were full-body stick and ink drawings. Rubbings of Neolithic rock carvings. Papier-mâché busts covered in gravel. Double exposure photography and abstract screen prints. All seemingly disassociated, but once they existed, a common thread connecting them was clear to see.

Clockwise from top: Double exposure photograph I took in Bristol. Abstract screen print created during my degree. Round acrylic pendant with colours and textures reminiscent of my earlier screen print. Acrylic 'pod' necklace that I created ten years before the double exposure photograph with the same colouring.

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Moving Forward

I plan to allow myself more time to play and experiment without expectation or judgment. To remind myself that creativity is about the journey, not just the destination. To allow myself time to create on a whim and see what connecting threads appear.