Sketchblog: DayBooks
I’ve certainly seen Jonathan post enough times about one injury leading to another and that’s the general issue I was thinking about when I made this drawing. Shoulder and hip joints are weirdly similar visually and, true enough, they both have to allow range of motion in a context of stability. The weight supported by the hip joint makes quite a difference. When I make art I like to think of gravitational force inhabiting the negative areas. It’s a little like thinking about gravity when you’re on your yoga mat or even staying upright as you go down a staircase (the naturally clumsy, like me, will know how fragile “upright” can be).
I’ve been rehabbing this same shoulder injury for 6 months (more!) and I know that the unequal distribution of weight (from the injury) through my shoulders can throw off my sacrum. The body will look for equilibrium — unequal joints and all. I have to pause, especially when sitting, and even everything out: both feet on floor, weight equal on the sit bones, shoulder blades on the back, relaxed. It’s a little mantra: “even, and relax”.
I saw Jonathan’s Chinese exercise ball video yesterday and immediately ordered a pair. And then, just as immediately, wished I had ordered two sets. To be even.
(I just sold two of my anatomy drawings to an orthopedist in Belgium. I found that hugely entertaining — and I can always use the money. Four of my knees have flown across the Atlantic — two of them drawings.)