A different kind of success
How many of us OTs have proposed arts and crafts activities to people who are resistant to the idea because they believe they'll really stink at it? Or how often have our clients done really well with the component skills of a creative project, only to produce something they don't like the looks of?
Well, as Apple, Inc. says, "there's an app. for that": The Ugly Necklace Contest. This is an annual event, sponsored by a jewelry-making supplies store called "Land of Odds." The entries (not to mention the finalists) range from disturbing to hilarious; merely ugly to truly hideous. The contest is more challenging than you'd think, however. First of all, just because you think it's ugly doesn't mean it is. Ugly is also in the eye of the beholder: one contestant sold her "monstrosity" to an appreciative customer before she had a chance to enter it. (Of course, that customer didn't necessarily have good taste, but given the "rules of ugly" the site lists, the necklace probably didn't really qualify). I could relate to that: several of my creations that I've been bitterly disappointed in have gotten lots of praise from my fellow artists, and they've usually sold before my own favorites have.
An interesting "twist" to the contest is the requirement for entries to include a poem about the necklace. Now, the only thing I know about poetry is that I don't enjoy it as reading material, and certainly have no idea how to write any except so-called 'free form" (which to me means ordinary prose with sentence breaks in odd places). Reading the ones at the Ugly Necklace Contests is re-assuring: it doesn't have to rhyme, or even have a discernible rhythm. It just has to say something about the necklace. The contest rules also require at least 3 different photos of the necklace: one showing it worn by someone; one a closeup of either the entire necklace or a representative section of the necklace that is particularly ugly; and one a closeup of the clasp assembly.
What an opportunity for an OT plan, especially for people with mental illness, cognitive and/or visual deficits! Creating an Ugly Necklace requires at least sequencing, fine motor, eye-hand coordination, visual processing and some problem-solving skills. Planning, organization and color perception are somewhat optional, since deficits in those areas contribute to the "winning" designs. Writing about the necklace can be an excellent outlet for emotions associated with the disabilities being addressed in OT. Using a digital camera, and setting up the required shots, provides more skills challenges and opportunities for the client.
Materials choices fueled by mental illness could, in the context of the Ugly Necklace Contest, be downright inspired! You think I'm kidding? The 2008 winner's materials list stated "The...Wire Caged Beads are recycled hay, grain and water, uniquely formed by our horses' colons, no two are exactly alike. In other words, their turds!"
Clearly, the sponsors of and participants in the Ugly Necklace Contest aren't constrained by any particular concept of "normal"! So it can be a welcoming place for people trying to come to terms with "limitations".
Whether or not the client is interested in competing in the Ugly Necklace Contest, just knowing there is such a thing could take the sting out of "unappealing" results of their OT crafts efforts. I suppose you'd have to be careful about using this project idea with someone who has depression: losing an "ugly" contest could be even more devastating than losing a "regular" one.
The Ugly Necklace Contest is entertaining, so even if you have no "use" for it at work, I recommend you visit it (and vote for your "favorite" during the open voting period each year. This year's ends 7/15/09).