This is what my hand looks like today.
A result of making for more than 20 years. It is mainly a result of hammering into my ring mandrel when I make rings.
I had been ignoring the pain in my hand for about 6 months, then last week I could not ignore it anymore and went to a doctor who recommended me to see a hand specialist. I felt very Zoolander for a while then remembered that the character was a hand model, something that I could never aspire to as I have worker's hands.
I am still making as I don't have another option and I am sure that it will get better.
The main reason that I am posting this is to offer a word of warning to other makers: to take care of their bodies and to ensure that the processes that they use to create support a healthy practice.
I despair when I am teaching and I see students sitting at their benches with their legs crossed. I think of their backs after 20 years of making and am continually asking students to sit properly at their benches with both feet on the ground.
The pink shading on the edges of the photo is the result of my new nana phone case which is patent pink. The reflection seems to create a pink edge to images. The fact that it doesn't bother me is also a result of 20 years of making, or being a sort of nana (without the grand kids).
This image is here to remind you of the results of a healthy work practice.
Image by Tim Walker from here