Creative inventions and thoughtful techniques make it easier for more and more people to increase their independence, engage in self-expression, and participate in hobbies that bring them joy. The world of art-making is no stranger to innovation and there are plenty of ways to make art-making more accessible.
Collage
Collage, while elementary at its core, can produce complex pieces of art and lead to major introspection. Vision boards, scrapbook pages, and photo walls are all ways people utilize collage. Tools like adaptive scissors and cutting aids make the collage process easier for people who struggle with traditional right-handed scissors. Pre-cut images, loose pictures, or images on card stock may be easier for those with fine motor difficulties to manipulate than magazines. However, images that are too small are likely to get lost, torn, or are just hard to pick up. Clear tape and white glue can be hard to see, but stick glue that goes on purple is easier to spot.
Painting
Whether you’re using watercolors, oils, or acrylic paints, easy-grip brushes with thick, round, or textured handles make holding onto the paint brush much less difficult. This added support gives the artist increased control of the brush, allowing them to make more intentional marks. Grips can also be purchased seperate, or made using a 3D printer, and then added to brushes. Smocks, washable paints, and no-spill paint cups make the clean-up process easier for those prone to sticking theirs elbows in paint or knocking over their paint water. Using a weighted bowl instead of a cup for water is an easy way to keep from knocking your dirty paint water over. If you’re painting on paper, taping it down to the table is always helpful. Clamp on easels that can tilt forward can make it easier for folks in wheelchairs to reach their painting surface. Some artists even put large pieces of paper on the ground, roll their wheelchair wheels in paint, and use them as the “brush” to create their painting.
Drawing
It’s easy to imagine long, thin pencils or short, breakable crayons when thinking about drawing supplies, but more ergonomic materials exist. Large, triangular shaped crayons and weighted colored pencils help minimize hand cramps and prolong the art-making process. Pencil grips and materials with foam bases also help make the art process less strenuous. Those with certain sensory aversions may prefer oil pastels over chalk pastels, as the residue left behind isn’t powdery. Tempera paint sticks allow individuals to make bold marks without the mess of paint.
Weaving
Weaving boards can be purchased or easily made with cardboard. This simple board and yarn combo can be easily transported and helps keep the hands busy. Tools like thick plastic needles can help the artist weave their yarn through the holes on the board more easily. Knitting looms allow individuals to make hats, scarves and other items without the complex motor movements needed in crochet or traditional knitting.
Processes
These are just a few ways artmaking can be adapted to a wide range of physical abilities. Here at Spotted Rabbit Studio we also adapt artmaking processes by building upon existing skills bit by bit, breaking down projects into smaller steps and using stencils and guides. We encourage clients to identify subject matter of interest and we work with a wide variety of materials including painting, drawing, ceramics, fiber arts, and mixed media.
If you or your child is interested in learning more please contact us today to set up a tour!
Kamryn Aaronson, LCAT-P is provisionally licensed in New York State as a creative arts therapist. They have a degree in creative arts therapy from Nazareth College. They have been practicing art-based psychotherapy since 2024 and currently see clients at Spotted Rabbit’s Pittsford, NY studio.
Kamryn specializes in working with youth and adults with I/DD and is well versed in all manner of adaptive art making. She works with individuals of all abilities, including those that are non-verbal.