Creating Wih Stargardt's Disease

Being an artist with Stargardt's Disease does have its challenges and getting around is no easy picnic. I've had Stargarddt's Disease since birth and no it's not catching. However, it does affect the macular which starts to deteriorate during your early teens and stabilizes in your mid twenties, in which, no light is allowed to reach the back of the eye and everything and I do mean everything you try to see is blurry, hint mid life crisis. I do have my challenge of moving about in semi dark areas and its also a daily requirement tor me to  get in before dark, that's why I couldn't qualify to become Batman's sidekick  I often have to poke fun at my situation or go crazy thinking about it.  So, poking fun it is.

I always felt different at an earlier age and knew that I could never qualify to play sports like other teenage boys, usually the ball would end up winning, especially in football and basketball, trying to make  touchdowns or layups was not a pretty sight and very often became painful with family members. I wanted to try it out with my family members first in order to get a feel for the sports and boy I got a feel alright.  Taking shop was quite interesting as well, especially, when you see the first aid kit meeting you at the classroom door and your fellow classmates had already completed your projects for you. Somehow, I felt it was just a conspiracy going against me. However, I did try out for band and played the drums, no comment. I actually enjoyed being in the band. But, the band wasn't in me. In general, I felt the things I were trying out for  were not meant for me to accomplish at all. So, while in junior high school, I wanted to take art. Unfortunately, it wasn't a go, for the instructor didn't think I could see well enough to do the assignments and despite how much I would fascinate other teachers and fellow students with my drawings, it was still no go for the art class. It would take me having to transfer to another junior high school to be afforded the opportunity to prove myself and learned  new ways to create art.

Later, I would attend high school and really begin to shine and win a few art awards . I would go onto college and never try out for art. I felt I wanted to create my own techniques in painting and not try to imitate someone else techniques. I was never the type to go by the book when it came to creating art. I also believe  having the freedom to paint the way I want to paint is truly freedom of expression.  Eventually, I decided to take business courses for my degree in business management, I would sell both originals and prints of my art to faculty and students and make a little extra cash to take care of family and buy more art supplies. I did finally obtain a 2 year business degree and wanted to try something else.

As time marches forward, I would win more art awards, conduct  a few art shows and make a few appearances on television and in the newspaper, I still felt I wasn't doing enough. I am now working in oils and wanted to see how well I can do. I have produced a few art pieces and it does take a little longer to complete a painting due to the details and small size. I am also  planning to create much larger paintings resulting in less straining of my eyes.

"Bountiful Tow" small print By Michael A. Williams

 

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