Article written by Valeria Lasso.
Art is certainly not for everyone, but it doesn’t mean that any ordinary person can’t make art. If you’re motivated enough and put yourself to it, there’s little you cannot do. If there’s a part of you that is artistic and you want to express it, nothing can keep you from doing it. You are usually your biggest barrier. Making that breakthrough in your own mind can change everything and even though it might be challenging, it is probably worth it.
It’s completely understandable that there are insecurities that might discourage you from starting to create art, such as not knowing if your art is going to be any good at all. The fact that there are people that put out such amazing artwork and yours might not even begin to compare. You might not feel confident with your artistic skills, but allow me to let you in on a little secret: it’s all about practicing and being consistent.
Not giving up is probably rule number one when it comes to being an artist. If you have a passion, follow it. Nothing can hold you back.
Just to prove to you that there is really nothing that can possibly hold you back when it comes to making art, I’d like to bring to light a few artists with physical disabilities. They are living proof that it doesn’t matter how restricted your body might be; if your mind and heart want it bad enough, you can do it.
The first artist I’m going to mention is a little girl with muscular dystrophy called Kate.
She’s not just very young and talented, but she also had a physical condition that prevents her from raising her arms and from walking. Did I mention that she needs a ventilator to breathe? Pretty tough, right? But that doesn’t stop her from making beautiful paintings.
She’s always had a passion for art and loves to paint landscapes and animals. Even though she has a very obstruent physical disability, she won’t let that come in her way. Her art is not necessarily the most amazing work I’ve ever seen, but considering her age and her physical state, she does an amazing job. But most importantly, she doesn’t quit and she’s getting better and better at what she does because of her perseverance.
Another person that does an amazing job despite his disabilities is Peter Longstaff.
If you think painting with your hands is already hard enough, try doing it with your feet. Peter was born without either of his arms because his mother was prescribed a drug (Thalidomide) that causes deformities in fetuses. Even without his arms, he’s always managed to live a normal life and even had his own farm from which he made a living. Now he’s stepped down from the farm and has taken up painting. As you might be able to tell from the image, he’s doing great. It might seem a little creepy, but it’s actually very cool.
Not having arms might be a huge impediment but as long as you can somehow hold a paintbrush to a canvas, there’s nothing that can stop you.
Now imagine not being able to use your hands or your feet. Is there anything else you can do?
Sure, there is.
If you don’t believe me ask Michael Monaco.
Michael became a quadriplegic at age 16 after being in a car accident. As part of his rehabilitation, he had to learn to do lots of daily tasks and activities without his arms or legs, amongst those was signing papers with his mouth. Once Michael mastered the use of a pencil with his mouth he moved on to paint brushes. It’s been 40 years and he’s still painting. This just goes to show that art is something you can continue to do, even when practically your whole body seems to not be cooperating.
It would be wrong of us to underestimate them because of their disabilities. They are as capable of creating art as anyone else. Their disabilities might make it more challenging, but not impossible. If it’s still possible for them to do it, there aren’t any valid excuses you can use to prevent you from chasing your artistic dreams.
Lots of artists struggle with the doubt of whether they’re any good at what they do. We are all confronted at some point with our insecurities, be it in creative writing, dancing, singing, even doing makeup.
As a writer, I know the frustrating feeling all too well. It’s hard to put something out there when you feel like you could’ve done a better job. Lots of us have a mini heart attack every time we let anyone look at our work because we don’t know if it will be good enough. The uncertainty and the doubt is just something we all have to get past. There’s no point in dwelling on it, your art will not be perfect at first, so you have to keep trying.
The truth is, there’s always going to be someone who is better than you. However, this isn’t necessarily bad. If anything, it’s good to always have someone to ‘compete’ against. I’m not saying you should compare your work to others since all art is unique and comparing your art to someone else’s would be like comparing a fish to a bicycle. But, you can use another artist’s work for reference, to see how far along they are and how far you would like to get to. Even if you’re not the best you’re already ahead of everyone who is not even trying.
Being scared is normal. Everyone feels scared at some point. What matters is that you don’t let that fear stop you from doing something you love. Fear gives you the opportunity to be brave and to prove to yourself that your mind and willpower are stronger than your body.
Let these artists be an inspiration and a reminder that if you can still use both your arms and can hold up a paintbrush with your hand, then you are very fortunate.
If you want to check out more of the artists’ work, here are some websites you can visit!
Peter Longstaff: https://www.mfpa.uk/the-artists/peter-longstaff/
Michael Monaco: http://www.michaelmonaco.com/index.html
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