Being a 'Disabled Artist' - What Does It Mean
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for years my friends and cohorts have carried me and my wheelchair to events, bailed me out of collapses, wheeled, pulled and pushed me and my various carts and trolleys and had to jump in when the exhaustion and pain kicked in to bail me out of situations with the grace and professionalism that only the greatest and most dignified of artists can. They knew I was disabled - but I didn't! What made me hide my disability so proudly if not well? What are the issues that face the disabled arts world? I don't know. in the meantime, here are some pretty pictures. |
Hidden AdaptationsIn most of my photos including the photo on the main page my mobility aids have been hidden for the camera but can often be spied in the background. In the photo used for this website I have wheeled walker in the foreground with a bright pink bag on (see if you can spot it!) The walker was set up with tassels and a horn and incorporated into the performance.
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Adapted Performance A number of times we have adapted a performance specifically to encounter mobility or other disability issues. In the photo above this piece was actually designed around the fact that I frequently needed to rest, fall down or lie down. Performer James Howard Co-field was well able to understand the concept and made a great performance out of it. |
Using Mobility Aids Within PerformanceIn the main photo you can see me as a clown. Although this photo is just a post my wheeling walker is neatly tucked away in the background there..The two photos here are from street performance workshops that I attended as a participant. Most performers will probably recognise the props used here!
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The Importance of Delegation & cooperation!
As it became more and more impossible to work in a physical or even mental way with a profound disability learning how to bring in a good background of support, surrogate performers, helpers, volunteers and delegating work became essential.
Here are some of the amazing people I have had work alongside and support me.
Here are some of the amazing people I have had work alongside and support me.