Hi everyone, Im looking to design a paintbrush for my Grandad who has RA in his hands, as part of my A Level DT course. Would be amazing & really grateful if you could please help by completing this quick 5 min survey
Many thanks,
Charlie
RA - Artist paintbrush: Hi everyone, Im looking to... - NRAS
RA - Artist paintbrush
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charlieh1
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Done. I am not sure if I’ve been too much help. I’ve developed my own way of holding my brushes. Forgot to add I think you need to be able to move such a padded type device on a brush as opposed to it being rigid on part of it, as not everyone holds the brush in the same place and depends on the style of work you are doing as to how you hold it. Good luck. Hope you can help your granddad to continue to paint more easily.
Done. One thing I wanted to add Charlie, is that Pierre-Auguste Renoir had RA for most of his life and, of course, did some wonderful work.
Yes, a few artists with disabilities from that era. They made some fantastic work and didn’t let their problems stop them. ❤️ You read my mind Monique .. was just about to say I read several articles in the past saying Renoir had paintbrushes attached to his sleeve cuffs so he didn’t drop them. So I read. I did a seminar as part of my fine art degree on artists with disabilities. Lautrec/Monet/Renoir/Matisse. All favourites of mine too. Artists are very determined! 😍
That sounds like a fantastic and inspiring seminar! I remember reading that Matisse created his cut-outs when recovering from surgery.
...I just found this wonderful Matisse quote, '‘You see as I am obliged to remain often in bed because of the state of my health, I have made a little garden all around me where I can walk… There are leaves, fruits, a bird."
Thank you. That’s a beautiful quote indeed re Matisse. ❤️ I love the cut outs and I love to do collage too. Yes I enjoyed doing the seminar and learning what hardships those artists had to overcome. Made me feel humbled.
May I just ask Charlie, if you have got the ok from NRAS for this survey please? 😊
Done! I think it is a brilliant thing you are doing. I hope you come up with something that helps your Grandad. Well done! x
Have completed your questionnaire- not sure how much help it will be though. I think people with problem hands probably adapt as they go along.
Has your granddad given you any ideas as to what would help him? Wonder if your idea could benefit children / people with disabilities in general - although as we all know, young people get arthritis too.
If it’s any help I once scribed for an A Level student who had arthritis - her problem was that although she could write and hold a regular pencil - her hand got sore and she couldn’t sustain the effort needed to write for long periods of time.
Good luck with your project anyway.
Thank you for completing my survey. Yes, ive had some really good input from my Grandad- the fact that paintbrushes are very narrow & thin make it very difficult to hold and grip- especially the smaller, finer brushes makes it very challenging. As most are varnished or plastic also makes it uncomfortable & not the best for gripping.Although my focus is on my Grandad and people with RA, there is no reason this could not be used by a younger person with Fine Motor skill challenges
thank you,
Charlie
Interesting to see your granddad and I have that the problem with narrow paintbrushes in common - nice to know it’s not just me. 😊
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