[Art_beyond_sight_learning_tools] Article: Memories inspire visually impaired artists to create

[Shelley L. Rhodes]

San Antonio Express, Texas
Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Memories inspire visually impaired artists to create

By Nishat Fatima

For her recent birthday bash, Ernestine Ruiz sketched a caricature of a 
pouty, sixtysomething woman for a lighthearted game of "pin the reading 
glasses on the old lady."

She spent hours perfecting every crease and strand of hair in the picture, 
which she captioned "I'm only 40!"

However, once her friends saw the drawing, they refused to use it in the 
game. They were so impressed by Ruiz's creation that they did not want to 
risk ruining it by poking holes in it.

This story is one of many that Ruiz, whose severe diabetes has led to 
partial vision loss, offers as reasons why she took up painting again.

Her works are included in "Art Knows No Boundaries," a Contemporary Art 
Month exhibit at the San Antonio Lighthouse. The exhibit features art 
produced by members of the Senior Center at the Lighthouse, a nonprofit 
organization that assists people with visual impairments.

"I thought it would be a good idea to allow the seniors to produce artwork 
and, through (the exhibit), show the community what people with visual 
impairments can do," says Jessica Rose, who works with seniors at the 
Lighthouse. "People have this idea that you either have sight or you don't. 
But it's amazing to see how they have produced such wonderful pieces."

These pieces include vivid watercolor landscapes; multimedia hybrids that 
incorporate paint, fabric and buttons; wire and fabric strung floral 
arrangements; delicate crochet items; and a patchwork quilt that has 
motivational words from past and current Lighthouse graduates.

Like many members of the Lighthouse, Ruiz will completely lose her sight in 
a few years. Initially heartbroken, she said she looked to her faith to cope 
with her health problems.

"I don't feel discouraged because I feel like God has still given me 
vision," she says. "I appreciate all that I have seen. The sunset changes 
the color of everything around you, moonlight makes the water look like 
glitter. There is so much beauty in God's creation, and I am glad that I was 
able to share that."

Ruiz's artwork, as well as her words, reflect her upbeat demeanor and 
devotion. Often humorous, it depicts nature and the memories she treasures.

"Different people, places and great memories of the past - my art takes me 
there," she says. "My memories help my future. As long as we have our 
memories, we can go on. They help me accept what is going on. And I feel 
good."

The artwork means more to the members than wall décor. It is a way to bond 
with each other and get reassurance through work that is significant to 
them.

The final products are a reflection of how they see the world. Members find 
themselves becoming attached to the artwork that they meticulously create; 
in fact, none of the artwork will be for sale.

"As I contribute, it makes me feel more secure about myself. I hadn't drawn 
in years, but (Lighthouse friends) help me relax," says Hazel Hodges, who 
has macular degeneration. "We can't see too well, but they don't worry about 
it. I have bottles of paint all over my house, but I don't paint as much 
because I don't get the same assurance. Also, I am my own worst critic."

A nature enthusiast, Hodges' inspiration is simply the presence of scenery.

"I love to draw the outdoors," she says. "Anything that grows is beautiful 
to me. Symmetrically, everything is beautiful; I even think some weeds are 
lovely. I can sit and stare at a leaf for hours."

The Lighthouse artists are in good company - arguably the best. Claude 
Monet's pieces were blurred as a result of his own visual impairment from 
cataracts; Vincent Van Gough suffered from extreme migraines that affected 
his vision.

"I tell them to paint the world in the way that they see it, because that's 
how the pros did it," Rose says.

At first, some members were too bashful to submit art, but after seeing some 
of the work of their friends, they were amazed and inspired to submit their 
works.

"So many of them are working hard to finish new projects for the show," Rose 
says. "No matter, we will find space for it somehow."


"Art Knows No Boundaries" runs through July 28 at the San Antonio Lighthouse 
Senior Center, 2300 Roosevelt Ave. A closing reception from 9 to 11 a.m. 
will feature a presentation by well-known visually impaired artist Lisa 
Fittipaldi, followed by an auction of works donated by local artists 
including Jason Stout and Kimberly Aubuchon. Proceeds will benefit the 
center. For information, call (210) 533-5195.

nfatima at express-news.net


http://www.mysanantonio.com/entertainment/stories/MYSA071305.1P.lighthouse.600ae62e.html


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