The holiday is over.
I had my total knee replacement on 27th May. Just over three weeks ago. It was more brutal than I expected, so I only feel now that I can emerge into the world and start looking about myself. I have not wanted to read that pile of books… not been able to focus, physically or mentally. I’ve not drawn or stitched. Coping with my post-operative state has been enough for my body and mind to cope with. The physiotherapy regime is punishing and all consuming for those three weeks: on the hour every waking hour. But it has worked. They know what they’re doing.
I can now ease back on the hourly schedule to two or three times a day, I can abandon one crutch -which frees up my left hand to use for carrying and doing. My reducing pain management means my head is slightly clearer too. So I look beyond the confines of my own physical existence for the first time.
I’m not able to drive for a few weeks yet, and while I’ve conquered the home staircase, the hard narrow stairs up to the studio still feel daunting.
So what do I do now?
My work has been out in the world, close to home it was selected for the RBSA Drawing Prize, at which I achieved a Highly Commended certificate. Further afield, my Rooted twigs have been in Denmark at Juxtapose, hosted under the Glitter Ball Showroom by Stuart Mayes. Both these events give the illusion of artistic activity, while I recover.
In the last couple of days I have had a couple of ideas I’d like to try next. I’ve jotted them down in my notebook. So when I do get myself up that staircase, I will have something at least to kickstart my brain.
