Grade 11/12 Art - Day 67: "Artists That Defy Barriers"

Every so often, I like to do a "Curriculum Cut Back" to make sure that we are covering the basics! Our curriculum document specifies that our students must "demonstrate an understanding of a wide variety of techniques that artists use to achieve specific effects."  We have certainly covered a great many techniques in a variety of media.  However, here is a question that I have for you:

What would you do if something in your life changed and you could no longer achieve specific results and techniques?

I will explain.  As we age, our eyesight diminishes.  We may not be able to discern between hues or transitions of value as well as we once did.  As our hands age, holding a pencil my become more of a chore and our lines become less steady.  A car accident may affect any number of our abilities, both cognitively and physically.  As artists, your ability to replicate what you see, in both the physical world and your mind's eye, may be mitigated by any number of factors.

My message to you is this: Adaptable artists are artists with longevity!  Adapt, adapt, adapt! When an ability diminishes, refocus and re-engineer your artistic persona, technique, and creative process.  If your hands stop working, paint with your feet!

Let's look at a couple of truly inspirational individuals.  The first is Mariam Pare. Mariam was paralyzed by a stray bullet. Let's read her story and watch a video at:
http://www.11alive.com/story/news/local/moments/2014/09/29/paralyzed-painter-uses-teeth-for-masterpiece/16414043/

The second inspirational individual is Phil Hansen. Phil developed nerve damage to a degree that he could no longer hold his hand steady.  Let's watch a Ted Talk about his story:

What I want to leave you with is that these people are heroes and mentors.  They took the hand they were dealt, and turned it into a royal flush.  If you make art your career, there may come a time where a physical, emotional, or cognitive challenge is presented to you.  If this happens, I hope you can remember these inspirational people and alter your course....you might just achieve your greatest work!