A little bit about my art...

As some of you will be aware I am a self-taught digital artist although by no means professional. I thought I'd step away from information about Duchenne this week and concentrate on things that we can do. Not all of us may be able to hold down a full-time job because of the difficulties Duchenne can throw up. But instead of lying in bed all day or Facebooking or playing computer games there may be things those with Duchenne could do. Now I know that some people with Duchenne are so severely disabled that it would be impossible to even do this so this is to the ones that feel able enough to do something.

To keep myself occupied I have written the book this blog often talks about, I have also written an e-book on poetry and I have converted my written book into e-book also. Apart from that though since about 2005/6 I found a really cool art program I liked called Corel painter and have been painting and designing since then! It is absolutely something I love doing and gives me a definite reason to get out of bed and keep living. It may not be much but it makes me happy! So below is a collection of my artworks. Enjoy!

 

As you can see I have been doing a lot of jewellery designs and this has become my latest 'passion'. I can certainly design you one if you would like a design. Here's my artwanted blog article to explain.

Taking bespoke Jewellery Commissions,

Commissions, (Please email me for availability at thebig_ian_g@btinternet.com, also please do send your design ideas, i.e. whether you want a ring or pendant etc or any favourite gems you have. If you prefer a completely original design I'll do that!)

I may sometimes work from your photographs (please make sure you own the copyright or have direct permission for use.)

I'm a digital artist, so the product I'm offering is a digital image (JPEG) which is priced at $3. We can discuss payment privately by email. I usually take 1 to 2 weeks to do a Jewellery design. I can only do one at time because of my disability so times may vary a little.

Things I won't paint- anything basically offensive, again that will be ascertained via email.

I look forward to working with you!

Ian.



More links about my other activities;


EBOOK available here; https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/69702

Available on Amazon USA here; http://www.amazon.com/DMD-Life-Art-Ian-Griffiths/dp/1907652337/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1288120811&sr=8-1

Available on Amazon UK here; http://www.amazon.co.uk/DMD-LIFE-ART-AND-ME/dp/1907652337/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1288105302&sr=8-1

My new Ebook Poetic Diversions available to buy here; https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/206857

All links available in my website here; http://duchennemen.net16.net/Buy-my-books/

My art can be viewed here; www.artwanted.com/thebigG2005


Foreword

I’m Ian Griffiths from South Wales. This book is a story of my life so far up to the age of twenty five years. I live with and suffer from the ill effects of DMD which stands for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. It is a severe muscle wasting disease and a life limiting terminal illness. It won’t kill you in six months in the traditional sense of ‘terminal’, but it’s far crueller than that, it steals every muscle in your body first and then kills you, anywhere up to the age of thirty. There have been cases of men living past that into their forties and fifties but only with drastic interventions such as ventilators and tracheotomies, more on this can be found by reading on.
I hope to cover a few things in this book, from a history of my childhood years to a more detailed history from sixteen years onwards and finally onto my current problems and triumphs. At times things I write may make you smile or may make you pause and think about the seriousness of life with this devastating disease. I really hope there will be a cure but currently for us supposedly ‘older’ guys with DMD (over twenty one), there seems very little hope. If I don’t see a cure in my lifetime, I hope my campaigning helps in some way bring it about for future generations, so another child won’t have to see their body wither and die before their time 

Being cold

Available in PAPERBACK and EBOOK versions

Today I had a photo shoot for a newspaper article that's coming up soon about the way I work and features my books. Ironically it was a beautiful day today with hot sunshine but in the September shade it was really cool. Quite quickly my arms were chilled but it wasn't affecting me too much. However I went back inside my house and had more photos taken by an open door with a cool wind funnelling toward me. Then something changed as suddenly my hands shut down on me. I couldn't move my wheelchair control which has a very sensitive stick anyway so I was trapped being even more restricted than normal. My mum had to push my chair into the usual place I sit. It's very humbling to be so reliant on another person. Eventually I warmed up and can access the outside world via this computer. Hopefully the photos will be well worth it! Doing anything with Duchenne's requires hard work and sacrifice but most of all sheer positivity.

Extract
.... I feel the cold very badly these days, I suspect the reason behind this is the fact I can’t move anymore (I’m often found swathed in fleece covers and wraps; our heating is on throughout the year too!)...

Find out how I deal with the cold in more depth in my book DMD LIFE ART & ME!

EBOOK available here; https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/69702

Available on Amazon USA here; http://www.amazon.com/DMD-Life-Art-Ian-Griffiths/dp/1907652337/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1288120811&sr=8-1

Available on Amazon UK here; http://www.amazon.co.uk/DMD-LIFE-ART-AND-ME/dp/1907652337/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1288105302&sr=8-1

My new Ebook Poetic Diversions available to buy here; https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/206857

All links available in my website here; http://duchennemen.net16.net/Buy-my-books/


Foreword

I’m Ian Griffiths from South Wales. This book is a story of my life so far up to the age of twenty five years. I live with and suffer from the ill effects of DMD which stands for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. It is a severe muscle wasting disease and a life limiting terminal illness. It won’t kill you in six months in the traditional sense of ‘terminal’, but it’s far crueller than that, it steals every muscle in your body first and then kills you, anywhere up to the age of thirty. There have been cases of men living past that into their forties and fifties but only with drastic interventions such as ventilators and tracheotomies, more on this can be found by reading on.
I hope to cover a few things in this book, from a history of my childhood years to a more detailed history from sixteen years onwards and finally onto my current problems and triumphs. At times things I write may make you smile or may make you pause and think about the seriousness of life with this devastating disease. I really hope there will be a cure but currently for us supposedly ‘older’ guys with DMD (over twenty one), there seems very little hope. If I don’t see a cure in my lifetime, I hope my campaigning helps in some way bring it about for future generations, so another child won’t have to see their body wither and die before their time.

It's all about positioning

Available in EBOOK and PAPERBACK versions

I was put in my chair this morning and I was slightly out of position but I thought I could manage all day. Sadly it was just too painful. For most people changing position would be ridiculously easy. For me though, it just means yet more work for my mother.

To change my position I had to take a ride in my lift to get to my room and the working hoist up there. Then I was hoisted in the air and repositioned. Finally I was comfortable and could start my day!

Extract;
....I need to call my mother and she repositions me using my hoist. What takes
five seconds for the non disabled, takes me ten minutes of re-jigging! I’ve just got to make sure I get placed in my chair correctly....

It's amazing what we take for granted. Even those with DMD like me take a lot for granted but positioning is certainly an exception. Read more about positioning in my book DMD LIFE ART & ME!

EBOOK available here; https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/69702

Available on Amazon USA here; http://www.amazon.com/DMD-Life-Art-Ian-Griffiths/dp/1907652337/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1288120811&sr=8-1

Available on Amazon UK here; http://www.amazon.co.uk/DMD-LIFE-ART-AND-ME/dp/1907652337/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1288105302&sr=8-1

All links available in my website here; http://duchennemen.net16.net/Buy-my-books/

My new Ebook Poetic Diversions available to buy here; https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/206857


Foreword

I’m Ian Griffiths from South Wales. This book is a story of my life so far up to the age of twenty five years. I live with and suffer from the ill effects of DMD which stands for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. It is a severe muscle wasting disease and a life limiting terminal illness. It won’t kill you in six months in the traditional sense of ‘terminal’, but it’s far crueller than that, it steals every muscle in your body first and then kills you, anywhere up to the age of thirty. There have been cases of men living past that into their forties and fifties but only with drastic interventions such as ventilators and tracheotomies, more on this can be found by reading on.
I hope to cover a few things in this book, from a history of my childhood years to a more detailed history from sixteen years onwards and finally onto my current problems and triumphs. At times things I write may make you smile or may make you pause and think about the seriousness of life with this devastating disease. I really hope there will be a cure but currently for us supposedly ‘older’ guys with DMD (over twenty one), there seems very little hope. If I don’t see a cure in my lifetime, I hope my campaigning helps in some way bring it about for future generations, so another child won’t have to see their body wither and die before their time.

Working wonders

Available in EBOOK and PAPERBACK versions

I am always impressed at the guys and girls who live with DMD that get jobs. Some are employed by forward thinking companies and many work for themselves. I work for myself at the moment, I've written my autobiography and my second book comes out in e-book format very shortly! I'm also an artist too.

Recently I was impressed by a 20 year old who attached a lawnmower to his wheelchair and started earning some money mowing his local neighbourhood! That is really inspiring to all with DMD!

Extract;
...In fact many people have commented ... that the painting [entitled port and ornaments] looks photo realistic even though I wasn’t aiming for that. God has blessed me with this artistic talent .... You can see all my art at artwanted.com, just type in Ian Griffiths [in the search box]....

With the right attitude and drive anyone can work even in these extremely tough economic times. One should never give up! Read through my own working wonder called DMD LIFE ART & ME!

EBOOK available here; https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/69702

Available on Amazon USA here; http://www.amazon.com/DMD-Life-Art-Ian-Griffiths/dp/1907652337/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1288120811&sr=8-1

Available on Amazon UK here; http://www.amazon.co.uk/DMD-LIFE-ART-AND-ME/dp/1907652337/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1288105302&sr=8-1

All links available in my website here; http://duchennemen.net16.net/Buy-my-book-s/

Foreword

I’m Ian Griffiths from South Wales. This book is a story of my life so far up to the age of twenty five years. I live with and suffer from the ill effects of DMD which stands for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. It is a severe muscle wasting disease and a life limiting terminal illness. It won’t kill you in six months in the traditional sense of ‘terminal’, but it’s far crueller than that, it steals every muscle in your body first and then kills you, anywhere up to the age of thirty. There have been cases of men living past that into their forties and fifties but only with drastic interventions such as ventilators and tracheotomies, more on this can be found by reading on.
I hope to cover a few things in this book, from a history of my childhood years to a more detailed history from sixteen years onwards and finally onto my current problems and triumphs. At times things I write may make you smile or may make you pause and think about the seriousness of life with this devastating disease. I really hope there will be a cure but currently for us supposedly ‘older’ guys with DMD (over twenty one), there seems very little hope. If I don’t see a cure in my lifetime, I hope my campaigning helps in some way bring it about for future generations, so another child won’t have to see their body wither and die before their time.

The benefits of doing something...

Available in EBOOK and PAPERBACK versions

There was a temptation in my life to sit around and do absolutely nothing. That's a quick way to give up become depressed and full of worry looking forward to the end of my life. That's something I chose NOT to do. That was one of the best decisions in my life. Interacting with friends and family, working and striving to improve has completely turned my attitude around. It is definitely worth it to DO something good.

Extract;
...What gets me through each day is my faith, the family and friends I have who understand everything DMD, my art, my writing and listening to music....

I know autobiographies aren't for everyone but even if your not sure give it a try, it's full of information about a disease hardly anyone knows about and has helpful positive tips. Plus half of my proceeds go to a DMD charity so you could be helping more than just me :) All of this just by buying my book DMD LIFE ART & ME!

EBOOK available here; https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/69702

Available on Amazon USA here; http://www.amazon.com/DMD-Life-Art-Ian-Griffiths/dp/1907652337/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1288120811&sr=8-1

Available on Amazon UK here; http://www.amazon.co.uk/DMD-LIFE-ART-AND-ME/dp/1907652337/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1288105302&sr=8-1


Foreword

I’m Ian Griffiths from South Wales. This book is a story of my life so far up to the age of twenty five years. I live with and suffer from the ill effects of DMD which stands for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. It is a severe muscle wasting disease and a life limiting terminal illness. It won’t kill you in six months in the traditional sense of ‘terminal’, but it’s far crueller than that, it steals every muscle in your body first and then kills you, anywhere up to the age of thirty. There have been cases of men living past that into their forties and fifties but only with drastic interventions such as ventilators and tracheotomies, more on this can be found by reading on.
I hope to cover a few things in this book, from a history of my childhood years to a more detailed history from sixteen years onwards and finally onto my current problems and triumphs. At times things I write may make you smile or may make you pause and think about the seriousness of life with this devastating disease. I really hope there will be a cure but currently for us supposedly ‘older’ guys with DMD (over twenty one), there seems very little hope. If I don’t see a cure in my lifetime, I hope my campaigning helps in some way bring it about for future generations, so another child won’t have to see their body wither and die before their time.

No Guarantees...

FREE e-book offer still on!!!!!!! Just 7 days to go now!!!!! We are in the last week!

Last night I was in bed thinking about eating. That can be a frustrating experience indeed! I was thinking about eating a lovely juicy red apple and imagining what it tasted like! Then I realised I just simply could not eat that. I have my work cut out coping with this but faith most certainly get's me through.

Extract;
...I was discussing with a nurse about my eating difficulties and they suggested that I try the puree menu the hospital had.....

Like it says above I am fortunate enough to eat pureéd food which means that I can experience the tastes of at least a few things. I know people with Duchenne's who are totally tube fed and I can only imagine how they feel.

It is not all doom and gloom though as I also know a lot of people with Duchenne's who can still eat the conventional way! It just goes to show that they are no guarantees even in DMD. So it is definitely worth staying positive as there is always someone worse off than you.

Please visit here to buy my paperback version; http://duchennemen.net16.net/Buy-my-book-s/

 Don't forget my FREE e-book offer!!!!! For one month only until the 26th of May my e-book version of DMD LIFE ART & ME is FREE, you can get your FREE version here; https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/69702

Only 7 days left!!!!!


Foreword

I’m Ian Griffiths from South Wales. This book is a story of my life so far up to the age of twenty five years. I live with and suffer from the ill effects of DMD which stands for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. It is a severe muscle wasting disease and a life limiting terminal illness. It won’t kill you in six months in the traditional sense of ‘terminal’, but it’s far crueller than that, it steals every muscle in your body first and then kills you, anywhere up to the age of thirty. There have been cases of men living past that into their forties and fifties but only with drastic interventions such as ventilators and tracheotomies, more on this can be found by reading on.
I hope to cover a few things in this book, from a history of my childhood years to a more detailed history from sixteen years onwards and finally onto my current problems and triumphs. At times things I write may make you smile or may make you pause and think about the seriousness of life with this devastating disease. I really hope there will be a cure but currently for us supposedly ‘older’ guys with DMD (over twenty one), there seems very little hope. If I don’t see a cure in my lifetime, I hope my campaigning helps in some way bring it about for future generations, so another child won’t have to see their body wither and die before their time.