Recently was diagnosed with fibro, I also have Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism.
Is anyone an artist here? Have you ever have a market stall during winter outdoors? How do you cope healthwise? Or how do you cope going out n the cold weather if you are not an artist?
Hello, I must admit I pick my days too go out especially the cold weather has differently set in ❄️❄️not my favourite time of year for sure, there are a lot of xmas craft Fayre s on here in Suffolk at the moment , and mostly indoors. I managed one that was local last week , some very clever people and a gentlemen that was displaying his lovely art work , time consuming but very gifted 😀
I'm an artist and it just so happens I'm doing our local winter fair today. But it's indoors, it's cold but not outdoor cold. I wouldn't be able to do outdoors, I have Raynauds which is bad enough indoors. I have heated socks I bought from a skiing company, bc my studio is freezing. One of them broke yesterday so it's just one warm foot now. ☹️I don't function in cold for long warm drinks and a hot water bottle on my back help too.
What kind of artist are you?
Hi, I work as a domestic cleaner and a gardener. For the last few weeks working outside I have been layering up with thermals, fleeces, windproof & waterproofs, two pairs of thick socks, neck tube (easier & less bulky to wear than a scarf) and hat. Its hard trying to find thin layers that are warm enough but allow me full range of movement for bending and stretching, whilst not getting snagged on rose thorns etc. Keeping physically active helps to combat the cold. When I get home I have a hot shower, do a few stretching exercises and rest with a hot water bottle behind my back to ease the aches from the cold. Conversely I find that my mostly elderly Clients have really warm home so I end up getting too hot!
Hi there yes I love to create have done for over 41 years now been struggling with the technical side things nothing seems to stick my ideas grow then just pop b4 I get a grip of themThis fibromyalgia is crazy am only new to this condition my fine sewing days are over my hands don't work any thing like they did stay safe...
I am an artist with a beautiful room in the loft which used to work as a studio but I can't climb the stairs up to it anymore and it's cold in winter! So I work downstairs on a large lap tray with heaps of cushions behind my back, access to kettle and a walkabout! It does mean I've got a very untidy art room that people have to walk thru to get to the kitchen but I am warm and cosy and manage to work pretty successfully! It's a necessary compromise. I use the dining room table too so that's another room 'lost'!!!
My artwork is essential to me to keep my mental health in tact when the fibro body is so unpredictable...
I work/rest/stretch throughout the day so no one position becomes too painful and allow arm/shoulder muscles to rest regularly. I work in design/graphics and paper... all small motor movements can become horrendous so I change activity frequently... from cutting out to reviewing, from drawing+writing to the guillotine, from creating presses for designs to a walkabout to collect more materials from my store...
I keep changing activity and resting and stretching so I'm pacing throughout my art sessions...
I sell at an indoor market and rationalise when I can book another market...
I never sell outside or in a draughty position indoors!
My stall is open for 4hrs and the 'being on duty' pose is so so tiring!
Confusion leads to some interesting £££ totting up and I ask my customers to help me with the change...
They all laugh but my brain isn't reliable anymore... I find the interaction enjoyable but it does make me weary...
It's all been learnt the hard way over the years but I love being creative and recognise that after preparing for a market and selling I take at least a week to rest and recover...
Bags of stock do get put away&stored safely but very slowly; then when able I think about next date of selling where I have to renew/replace and produce new designs... I try not to overload my diary but obv some appointments do intrude!
It's a steep learning curve but it works for me...
I turn down any market outside!
(My work doesn't appreciate weather!!!)
I hope this response helps you understand how other artists cope to continue their craft?
Good luck with your art work. I'm sure you adore it... It's good for the soul and luckily I do have another small income.
I used to knit and sew too but those activities are too tiring for me now!
Too repetitive!
My unique pieces of felt with embroidery have became paper designs with collage! It's been a natural progression as fibro takes a stronger hold of what I can and can't achieve...
Keep those creative ideas flowing...
Wx
This message has taken most of this evening as I've had to rest from typing.Another repetitive task!
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia 
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia 
