As a disabled artist living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (brittle bone disease), my daily life often looks different from what most people expect. For me, lying flat on hard surfaces—like my kitchen table or counter—is not only functional but also essential for my comfort and productivity. This unconventional choice surprises many, but it’s what allows me to paint, type, and live life on my own terms.
Finding Comfort on Hard Surfaces
Living with bone disease means making adjustments to minimize strain on my body. While most people associate comfort with soft surfaces like cushions or mattresses, those don’t work for me. Soft surfaces sink under my weight, making it nearly impossible to move or roll over due to my limited muscle strength. Instead, I find firm, flat surfaces much more supportive and easier to maneuver on. My bed is firm, without a pillow top, and my workspace setup reflects similar preferences.
When I’m lying on my kitchen table, a beanbag hot pack serves as my pillow, but otherwise, I prefer minimal padding. This setup allows me to work on my watercolor art, eat, and type comfortably. My two small dogs often join me on the table, adding companionship to my creative process.
Hard Surfaces: Turning Challenges into Strength
As an artist, I’ve learned to adapt my environment to fit my unique needs. Lying on a table gives me the stability and support I need to create watercolor paintings—an art form that requires precision and control. This adaptability is an example of how individuals with disabilities find creative solutions to navigate the world, often turning limitations into opportunities for motivation and growth.
Reactions from the World
When people see me lying on a table for the first time, their reactions typically fall into two categories:
1. Fear for My Safety
“Don’t get too close to the edge! You might fall off!”
I reassure them that I’ve never fallen off a table in 29 years. By keeping one foot lightly touching the edge, I always know where it is, ensuring my safety.
2. Concern for My Comfort on Hard Surfaces
“You need a pillow or a blanket! That surface is too hard for you.”
While these comments are well-meaning, I know what works best for me. A hard surface provides the support I need to function without back pain or difficulty moving.
Early Adaptations
My unconventional approach to comfort isn’t new. As a child, my mother would carry me into stores when my wheelchair wasn’t an option, often laying me on benches, counters, or the ground while she shopped. Although these moments sometimes shocked onlookers, they taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience—traits that have shaped my art and life philosophy.
Broadening Perspectives
People often struggle to understand why someone might choose a hard tabletop over a soft cushion or how a person with Osteogenesis Imperfecta can thrive as a watercolor artist. These moments remind me of the importance of broadening perspectives. There is no single “right” way to live or create. My methods may be unconventional, but they work for me, enabling me to embrace both my art and disability with confidence.
So next time you see someone doing something differently, take a moment to learn their story. You might discover a new way of thinking, living, or creating. For me, life on a tabletop is just part of what makes my journey as a disabled artist so unique—and so fulfilling.