Henry faces daily neurological pain and discomfort, yet he designs and creates from a nursing home in California
What happened?
HOW Henry BECAME PARALYZED
I was living a normal healthy life destined for success and happiness like any young adult aspires to. In 2011 in only 45 Minutes a bacteria attacked my spinal cord via an Autoimmune Disease causing me to collapse and paralyzing me inside out. It is formally called Transverse Myelitis with which I was diagnosed. I was left in a state of total paralysis and vent-dependent, until the present day.
RESILIENCE in art
I fell in love with art around 10 years ago. Being bedridden with total paralysis, pain, and discomfort with very little ability to communicate is very heavy, both mentally and physically. Not having any ability to escape from my reality, I only had 2 choices to pass my time, I could either watch reruns of TV shows or I could stare at the ceiling for hours, thinking of my misery and misfortune. So I took action!
● I started drawing and painting digitally with just my (Note 4) phone operating it using a stylus with my mouth, and learning how to balance and control this tool using only my mouth for many months, up to a year!
● Got more serious and interested in learning the fundamentals of drawing, so I began taking online courses and tutorials in drawing basics to advanced from professionals. There are online educational platforms like Udemy or Skillshare.com.
● To now apply the information and rigorously practice what I learned from professional artists. I then painted and drew with a drawing tablet with Photoshop, a digital art software.
● Made the great leap into traditional drawing with a huge source of inspiration from @andrew_tischler_artist @santocesart @aaronblaiseart @devonrodriguezart
Therefore, I just kept drawing and creating, mainly to distract myself from my pain. At the end of the day, the work I enjoy the most is when I'm in a deep focus and time flies. When my followers and supporters on social media feel connected to my art and my life messages, there's nothing better than receiving positive feedback on the impact I make in people's lives, whether abled or disabled instilling inspiration and motivation!
LIFE TODAY & Goals…
I'm very blessed and grateful for the strength I've been given through God. To be doing what I love with ambition despite my paralysis, I make every day count. This hard-working, strategic life with consistency has led me to where I'm at now. With my beautiful mother and friends’ support as a backbone, I will take what I believe in this shop and execute any other projects or visions to the next level. With your sharing and purchases from this store, you are contributing to inspiring people with challenges physical, mental, or spiritual barriers in life. I like to share what can be accomplished with the right mindset, even if you are 90% paralyzed like myself or the average Joe. I sincerely hope with your help whether you stay tuned, purchase something, or donate it is a step closer to the financial freedom I need to go home and be able to have an opportunity to see the world I haven't seen in 12 years..