Living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (commonly known as Brittle Bone Disease) has shaped many aspects of my life, including my love for art, music, and unique experiences. As a disabled artist, I’ve always found joy and motivation in connecting with others, whether through my artwork or my passion for music. Over the past several years, I’ve had the incredible opportunity […]
As a disabled artist living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), also known as Brittle Bone Disease, traveling can be both an adventure and a challenge. My recent trip to Maine was a mix of breathtaking scenery and the inevitable complications that come with flying with a wheelchair. Planning the Trip: A Dream Destination When the opportunity arose to plan a […]
As a watercolor artist with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), also known as Brittle Bone Disease, my approach to art is as much about creativity as it is about adaptation. Living with chronic pain and physical limitations means I’ve had to develop unique methods to pursue my passion for painting—especially my watercolor animal art, which is inspired by my love for animals. […]
As a disabled artist living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), also known as Brittle Bone Disease, art has always been my outlet for self-expression and motivation. While many know me as a painter, I’ve also found immense joy and fulfillment in crafting handmade jewelry—a creative journey that began when I was just fourteen. The Beginning of a Lifelong Hobby My introduction […]
When I share that I have Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), often called Brittle Bone Disease, people are surprised to learn I attended mainstream schools my entire life. As a disabled artist who thrived in these environments, I’ve seen firsthand how school inclusion benefits not just the student with a disability, but the entire community. Early Challenges and the Search for Inclusion By […]
As a disabled artist living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)—also known as Brittle Bone Disease—I’ve encountered my fair share of awkward interactions. While most people mean well, some just don’t know how to act around a wheelchair user. Over the years, I’ve collected a handful of helpful etiquette tips that can make everyday encounters more respectful, comfortable, and enlightening for […]
As an artist living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (often called Brittle Bone Disease), people often suggest I could make a fortune if I focused on painting full-time. While I’m deeply passionate about art, the reality is more complex—and it’s shaped by both my disability and my personal preferences. 1. The Myth of the “Starving Artist” Many believe a full-time painter can easily make a […]
When you live with Osteogenesis Imperfecta finding activities that fuel creativity and keep boredom at bay can be life-changing. I’ve always gravitated toward any outlet that allows me to express myself and nurture my love for animals. I want to show the world that my disability doesn’t define my limits. From a young age, art became my passion. Over time, […]
Living with a visible disability often means navigating more than just physical challenges—it means dealing with the unsolicited opinions, questions, and downright bizarre comments of strangers. As someone who uses a wheelchair due to Osteogenesis Imperfecta, I’ve heard my fair share of awkward, offensive, and unintentionally hilarious remarks in public. Sometimes, these interactions are a […]
What does it mean to look up—both literally and figuratively? For me, it’s a question rooted in my experience living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), commonly called Brittle Bone Disease. As a disabled artist with a passion for art and a life shaped by my disability, I’ve learned that a positive perspective can transform challenges into opportunities. This mindset took shape in a project […]