Student displays art at SF City Hall
Visually impaired artist has show at INSIGHTS 2009 Exhibition
Carla Betteo
Issue date: 10/26/09 Section: Entertainment
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Struggling with damaged eyesight, Blackwell often has to stand inches away from the canvas to be able to perform his art.
"I take my defect, and I make it my asset," said Blackwell during an interview earlier this month at City Hall.
Blackwell uses the bottom end of brushes, ink spouts, and even his own fingers to produce incredible illustrations.
"It's magical how things evolve," Blackwell said.
The exhibition, titled Insights 2009: 20 Years of Creative Vision, is sponsored by The LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
It features the work of 38 visually impaired artists.
Local celebrities provided voice overs as part of a free audio tour to accompany the exhibition.
Blackwell's endeavors as an artist began as a young child when he was introduced to painting in grade school.
He considers it his natural God-given talent, something he was good at from the very beginning.
"It all comes down to your spirit," said Blackwell. "Art really just comes down to feel and touch."
It wasn't until he attended college as an art major, that Blackwell started experiencing loss in eyesight.
Passionate about life, with or without perfect vision, he began modifying his techniques as an artist and establishing easier ways to paint without seeing as clearly.
"Most artists are so precise with their work; everything from the frame to the fine lines and perfect circles," said Blackwell.
Blackwell's art is filled with smudges and fingerprints.
"You look at my art and you know a real person did this," he said.
The LightHouse, located blocks from the Civic Center in San Francisco, offers direct service, support, and information to the blind and visually impaired community in Northern California.
Since 1902 it has been providing tools and resources to those in need so they may be able to live a productive life.
This includes rehabilitation programs and access to services such as employment, recreation, education and information.
Blackwell is one of three artists featuring solo shows after winning last year's Elva Iacono Vergari competition, which is the "Outstanding Artist Award" named after the San Francisco native and active member of the sight-impaired community.
The exhibition runs from Oct. 5 - Dec.11 and admission is free of charge.
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