I have some incredible news! I started making new forms of art and decided to narrow my journey. On May 19, 2021, I met Paige Snedeker who also has RTD and is also an artist. We both communicated via Zoom. I learned from her artistic experiences that she uses her mouth to paint and is an inspiration to many artists with multiple physical disabilities. I decided to try painting the same way and it has changed my perspective. For many years I created most of my artwork through digital applications just by using my nose. Now that I found out what other people with RTD are doing with their creative endeavors, I was motivated to try a new technique. Using a mouth brush holder to paint gives me the power and consistency to incorporate this new perspective. The part of my mouth I prefer most is the middle where the brush is positioned between my lips. I’ve been painting outside in the shade for at least a month. I have been using acrylic paints mixed them with water. Some of my paints are ones that my uncle gave me, and I also purchased my own professional set of paints from a company called Blick. Liquitex Basics is one of brands I’ve been using that I like. So far, I have 32 different colors and I’m able to combine them together to create different colors and shades. The greatest challenge I have in terms of filling the background is the ability to reach the top part of each piece. Before I paint the other side I move the paper upside down so I don’t have to lean forward too far. I sit at a large, portable craft table to allow room for sketch paper of all sizes. I don’t feel the need to wear an apron or smock at this time since I can handle the spillage with the correct materials and someone helping me pick up the paint from the plastic trays.
I believe I inherited my artistic interest and ability from my grandmother who is also an artist and went to college for visual arts. My uncle is also a very talented artist. But in addition to my family’s influence, there have been other things that have inspired me. I am particularly motivated when I see other people with disabilities sharing similar artistic experiences. I’m a big fan of King Gimp! and the documentary I about how he paints with a headset. This impressed me because he came up with a cool way to adapt to the world of art despite his physical limitations. After I lost the ability to hold painting tools on my right hand as a teenager, I naturally began using the most obvious second choice to draw, which was my nose. I did not know much about the effectiveness of using the mouth until recently. I still use my nose and the technology to create art pieces, and my goal right now to spend more time using the Procreate app to produce as many pieces as possible. I plan to sell my work online to help pay for college and/or an art studio. A great thing about Procreate is it offers a wide selection of tools along with essential ones, such as the Brush Library, Smudge, and the color circle. It’s a new program to me but I’m getting familiar with everything. Procreate is designed for both beginners and professional artists to explore varying styles and techniques that would build their skills.
Several months ago, I entered the, the Ellene "Brit" Christiansen Memorial Art Contest for Artists with Disabilities: "Optimism, Resilience, Hope!" My artwork won second place and I received a $500 check plus a Blick gift certificate in honor of statewide competition. One of the judges was Maryland’s First Lady, Yumi Hogan. Being an artist has helped me gain appreciation of the world as well as objects I see that represent hope and optimism. Nothing in life slows me down from accomplishing my work. My friend from Ohio who is also diagnosed with RTD is a naturally talented painter. Like I said, the stories I hear from disabled artists are inspiring. Mouth painting works well for me and I consider it a long-term solution until the day comes that science can give me back use of my arms and hands. I encourage new beginners with disabilities to do the same. Painting is a fun process, and it brings opportunities to express ourselves and influence people’s understanding and attitude toward people with disabilities.
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