Wrong-Handed
by Lindsay Oliver
I can no longer draw with my preferred hand. I am left-handed. I am losing the use of my left-hand, due to progressive muscle weakening. I took part in the 100 days project, in which each participant undertakes to complete a task each day for 100 days. I chose to draw a sketch with my non-dominant right hand, my wrong hand, each day for 100 days. My aim was to see if I my right hand could learn to draw. These are those drawings.
It has been an emotionally challenging project. As I struggled to produce a drawing with my right hand, I was reminded of how much I had lost, how much more easily my left hand could have completed the drawing. When my right hand successfully produced a recognisable shape or flower, I felt a sense of accomplishment. When I realised my right hand seemed to be developing its own unique drawing style, I felt confused and perplexed. When I contemplated the possibility that I might lose the use of my right hand also, I was left questioning the point of continuing with the project.