Some people were born with God-given gifts so powerful, nothing can stop them from achieving their dreams. John Bramblitt is one of these people, and his story will inspire you.
John began losing his sight when he was a child, due to his epilepsy. His hopes of becoming a creative writing teacher were shattered and he became depressed — and that's when he discovered painting. John taught himself how to paint using fabric and oil paint guided by raised lines that help him find his way around the canvas. Through "haptic visualization," John "sees" his work through his sense of touch.
“The great thing about oil paints is that they’re made from different substances. The colors actually feel different when you touch them. Like, white is really thick. And burnt sienna is kind of clumpy, and sort of like jelly. Black is a little bit more runny,” he says.
John includes in his collections paintings of subjects close to him — his wife, his son, his service dog — and they're all vibrant, colorful and joyful pieces of work. According to John's website, his art has been sold in over twenty countries and he has appeared internationally in print, TV and radio.
You'd never know he was blind unless you heard his story. And now you have… so please SHARE it!
"My guide dog Echo – this particular painting was started at a workshop at the Meadows Museum in Dallas. It was part of an all inclusive painting workshop. I have to brag about Echo – right after this workshop she was nominated to be a part of the Texas Animal Hall of Fame – an award given to honor outstanding animals that have gone above and beyond. Echo certainly has done that! "
"Ballroom"
"Duke"
"Bright Morning"
