RIVER WHITE

I created this piece as a mockup of a full-sized crochet wheelchair titled “Insurance Wouldn’t Pay For It, So I Made It Myself”. When I made these pieces, I was fighting doctors to take my pain seriously and receive a diagnosis. I was also fighting with my insurance to cover necessary testing and medical equipment. This piece is deeply personal to me, as I was (at the time) continually being dismissed and gaslighted about my symptoms. I felt like my dislocating joints, chronic fatigue, and chronic pain were all in my head. Was it as bad as I thought?
The answer, of course, was yes, my pain and my symptoms were and are that bad. I crocheted this wheelchair to cheekily poke at the way disabled people have to advocate so fiercely for themselves against the very doctors and other people who should be helping us.

River White (he/they) is a disabled, queer, and trans artist who uses the gentle work of crochet as a vehicle for therapy and creative release. He enjoys crafting comfortable wearables, colorful critters that spark joy, and sculptural think-pieces. Subject matter ranges from pop culture and nerd-dom to disability advocacy through art. River weaves love and care into everything they crochet, and they can't wait to meet you soon! Find him on Instagram at @river_by_design.