I read a lot of artist biographies. Many who lived into old age developed a health issues that affected their art. Monet developed cataracts and had to have them removed. Matisse became bed ridden and unable to paint, so he started making cut paper art. Renoir had arthritis in his hands so bad that his studio assistant had to strap his paint brush to his hand. I myself am facing new health challenges that are affecting my art. The arthritis in my right thumb is so bad I cannot hold a pencil or a pen with experiencing extreme paint. Sometimes I can barely handle a paint brush. I started exploring collage as a new way to make art. I tear up old drawings, silk paper, rice paper and handmade Hawaiian Kapa cloth to make highly textured and colorful mixed media collages. I find the process easier on my hands, and I love the multilayers that can be built up. This is a piece I just finished today.
