Artfulness and Affordance, Creativity and Capacity

Conference: Seldom Heard Voices Conference

Dates: 22/06/2026

Publication Date: 22/06/2026

Abstract:

Over the last two years I have been co-facilitating workshops that recognise and address the double loss, not only of key aspects of ‘normal’ life pre-disability (that may include the ability to travel, socialise or work unaided), but in this case, the inability to fully practice an art form after refining that discipline and process for many years. Such an enduring, deep arts led enquiry demands focus, conviction, perseverance, sacrifice and determination. That craft, practice and vehicle for expression is central to an artists wellbeing and identity. Connecting to that creativity can bring significant benefit to wellbeing, but is often out of reach.

Many participants in our Making Space group led large scale and/or high profile arts projects prior to becoming chronically ill or disabled. These workshops began in recognition that the need to create art does not diminish once an artist becomes disabled. How and when this can happen, given an individuals' affordances, requires careful navigation which forms a creative enquiry in itself, one of discovery, resourcefulness, adjustment and acceptance.

Source: Manual