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Around 10 percent of the total world's population or roughly 650 million people, live with a disability according to Disability Statistics' annual report. Looking at the cool art pieces on this list, you couldn't tell that they were created by people with disabilities, often with tremendous amounts of effort and time.
From artists painting with their mouths to blind photographers - these disabled people are truly an inspiration. Living with conditions most can't even imagine, they often use this beautiful art as a way to communicate with the world. For some talented artists here, that is the only way of communication they have.
To celebrate these incredibly strong-willed people, Bored Panda compiled a list showing off their unique art. Check out these astounding artists, and we hope you find the inspiring stories of these beautiful people heartwarming!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Mariusz Kedzierski Was Born Without Arms But Still Managed To Fulfill His Dream Of Drawing Realistic Paintings
Sierra Batten 8 years ago
he probably isnt living on the streets, just creating art there. Im sure he sees a lot of colorful faces which inspire him!
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Ladies and Gentlemen 8 years ago
wow.. the last image looks graphic.. unreal man.. too real.. he is genius!
Gillian Black 8 years ago
absolutely fantastic and maybe this is where he gets his inspiration
suryan phoenix 8 years ago
What he is doing there is just beyond words kind of inspiration......
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#2
Diagnosed With Autism At Age Three, Stephen Wiltshire Is Now Famous For Producing Highly Detailed Scenes After Just A Brief Glance
Emma Pocock 8 years ago
I find this to be condescending on behalf of the author of that headline! Look at it THIS way instead of "not believing what this man can do DESPITE HIS DISABILITY" see that he has this beautiful gift BECAUSE he has Autism! He SEES things differently to MOST! And thank heavens for that right? How BORING would the World be if we were ALL THE SAME?! How do we progress as a society and adapt to new technologies, medicines, see beautiful art that transports you away to a world of TOTAL wonderment at just HOW TALENTED this young man is! I speak ONLY for myself and my experiences as the proud Mama Bear of a son with Autism who shows me EVERYDAY just how AMAZING this world can be, if only you look from a different angle! But I've met so many incredible families, there are few who'd change anything, and those that WOULD, would only do so to make life EASIER for their loved ones. Autistic individuals are just that, individuals! They're loving, amazing, talented and MUCH loved human beings! ❤️
Crazy Cow Lady 8 years ago
I remember reading an article about him. Its amazing the amount of detail he can remember and recreate.
Blue Cicada 8 years ago
Responding to Emma Pocock and others: we are trained in Education and Social Work to refer to people as PEOPLE first, THEN an identifier. A man with autism, a student with mild dd (developmental disabilities), an artist with physical challenges, a ballerina with Down Syndrome, etc. I hope that international sites like BP help us expand our exposure to persons from a wide range of backgrounds and enhance our vocabulary and syntax as we learn to speak with less judgement and prejudice in our voice.
Ladies and Gentlemen 8 years ago
That's a big mural in first pic, I wonder how long does it took him to create such detailed art work!
Stacey Fetterman 8 years ago
I'm just wondering what Stephen is listening to that's got him smiling.
Gillian Black 8 years ago
have seen this young man on TV he will fly over a place then draw it amazing
#3
Along With Speech Therapy, Iris Grace's, Who Has Autism, Parents Introduced Her To Painting, Which Is When They Discovered Her Amazing Talent
Ladies and Gentlemen 8 years ago
Last painting took my heart away.. the colors are disappearing into each other like magic!
Blue Cicada 8 years ago
Pretty sure I read a great article about a cat who was blessed to find a loving human family, including a little girl to be her best friend and entertain her with beautiful painting sessions. Now that cat's human is featured here!
Emma Pocock 8 years ago
I posted a longer version of this in the article above Iris Grace's, on Stephen Wiltshire. All I'll say here is this, having followed this families story, as a fellow parent of two children, one on the spectrum, one neurotypical (we don't use "normal" in this house! It's too boring!), I see MY child's gifts as exactly that! They're not all incredibly talented artists like Iris Grace and Stephen, but they're ALL unique individuals who if you stop for just a SECOND, you'll find every child's gifts!! Both of my sons bring such beauty and love into our worlds!! Don't pity one and not the other because YOU don't see what THEY do!! Iris Grace, Stephen, keep showing the world your unique selves!! ❤️🎨❤️
Every day is Caturday 4.0 8 years ago
The run-on of all run-ons. This beautiful girl deserves better than that.
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and_a_touch_of_the_’tism 2 years ago (edited)
Oh, there’s a book about her! It’s called Iris Grace, and while it’s more about her mom’s journey with her than HER, it’s still really interesting. The cat is her service pet, Thula!
makki 8 years ago
so much better then that other kid artist who does splatter paintings :/ no skill in splatter painting...!
#4
Born With Cerebral Palsy, Paul Smith Used To Create Amazing Artworks Using Only 1 Finger On A Typewriter
Ladies and Gentlemen 8 years ago
Philadelphia looks awesome.. so detailed.. never believed a type-writer could do that.
Gillian Black 8 years ago
and we complain if we hurt a finger, this is amazing imagine the patience of this man
Victor Calamity 8 years ago
OK, this is freakin' CLEVER! The skill, the planning, the patience that would have to go in to these...well done!
#5
Peter Longstaff Was Born Without Arms As A Result Of His Mother Being Prescribed The Drug Thalidomide During Pregnancy, But Peter Has Never Considered Himself As Being Disabled
#6
If You Wanted To Be A Tattoo Artist But Lost Your Drawing Arm, What Would You Do? JC Sheitan Tenet Has An Answer: Get A Prosthetic Arm That's Better Than Flesh And Bone. His Custom Made Steampunk-Inspired Limb Integrates An Inking Needle, A Pressure Gauge And Piping
Petra Christovová 8 years ago
That mechanic arm ROCKS!!! So cyberpunk. I would love to get a tattoo from him.
#7
Rakan Abdulaziz Kurdi Proves That Disability Is Not A Limit By Creating These Realistic Paintings
Jorge Marquis 8 years ago
see his work I realize I have accomplished nothing in my life and I have no courage
Kristel Bijnen 8 years ago
It looks so photographic, wow! I would applaud anyone who could do this. But doing it like this with his challenge! He has my respect! I have a challenge too ( I do not use the word disability, because nothing is a disability, it is only a life-challenge), I am no where near this creative, I can't draw at all. I used to be an athlete in my teenage years, in Baton Twirling. I might have been able to reach International level without my diseases that started when I was 13 and made me incapable of walking at 16. But now I can twirl in my wheelchair, as far as I and a world legend and another person who is extremely involved in the world of my sport, know, I am the only Baton Twirler in a wheelchair. There are no competitions for me though, but I still live to train, and I am still hard on myself on perfecting things.
Kristel Bijnen 8 years ago
Live=love. Baton Twirling will always be one of my greatest passions and joys in my life! Just like art is for this amazing man!
Load More Replies... #8
Huang Guofu Lost Both His Arms In A Horrible Electric Shock Accident At The Age Of Four, However This Didn’t Stop Him From Pursuing His Dreams, He Began Painting With His Feet At The Age Of 12
Just a Purpler 8 years ago
Oh man I understand this artist so much aha, once you've got that vision in your head, you've just got to find a way to get it on paper. Amazing determination though, it's easy to give up during the first half of a project once you're starting to see it come together but it's still got so much work to do haha.... And to do it without hands, like, wow!
Ladies and Gentlemen 8 years ago
If you have passion and determination, this is how beautiful results look like!
#9
My Sister Alana Was Born Without The Use Of Her Hands. She Paints Using Her Mouth And Feet. I Wanted To Share Some Of Her Artwork
William Alarie 4 years ago
hhhhhhhh this is so good I NEED TO KNOW HER FULL NAME SO I CAN SUPPORT HER
Brandi Gates 7 years ago
Truly inspiring....I want a piece painted by her! Any idea how to find her work and is it for sale??
Victor Calamity 8 years ago
She's an artist, all right: skill, talent, and an eye for color. Nicely done!
#10
Doug Landis Was Paralyzed From The Neck Down, After An Awful Accident, During A High-School Wrestling Match. He Discovered His Talent When He Saw The Drawing Of A House, On A Christmas Card, And Thought He Could Do It Himself
GalaxyInAJar 8 years ago
"An unfortunate in a high school wrestling match" me- "what?! Nope that IS what it says"
#11
John Bramblitt Is “Functionally Blind”, Which Means That His Eyes Can Only Differentiate Between Sunlight And Darkness. Despite This, He Paints By Using Textured Paints To Feel His Way Around The Canvas
Full Name 8 years ago
How does he know which colours he's using or which go together, like in the sunset?
Kristel Bijnen 8 years ago
His words from the article: He also has an interesting solution for color; “All of the bottles and paint tubes in my studio are Brailled, and when mixing colors I use recipes. In other words I will measure out different portions of each color that I need to produce the right hue. This is no different than using a recipe to bake a cake.“
Load More Replies... #12
Uttam Kumar Bhardwaj Could Be Called Specially Abled. He Creates Amazing Paintings With His Feet. Also He Is A Gold Medalist In Arts Field And A 33 Award Winner
#13
Born With Cerebral Palsy, Doug Jackson Paints With A Brush Attached To A Special Headband. Jackson Started Painting At 11 And Has Gained Recognition Across The Country For His Impressionist Style
#14
Victorine Floyd Fludd Is A Blind Photographer Who Lost Her Vision At The Age Of 26
Daniel (ShadowDrakken) 8 years ago
likely only "legally blind" and not actually blind. Still amazing work regardless.
Load More Replies... Blue Cicada 8 years ago
Some people use sound, smell and other senses to locate the "subject". With trial and error, plus feedback from sighted peers, they learn to frame their subject.
Marnee DeRider 8 years ago
I really have zero use for paintings and almost closed this post just before I saw this. But I would pay good money for these.
Kristel Bijnen 8 years ago
If she would be sad about it, she would not continue. This is her passion!
Load More Replies... #15
Disabled Iranian Artist Fatemeh Hamami Draws The Portrait Of Cristiano Ronaldo Using Only Her Feet
Kristel Bijnen 8 years ago
Does her disability or as I call it: challenge, really matter? She paints with her feet. Period. It shows her skills!
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#16
Incredible Jewellery Designed And Crafted By Annette Gabbedey, Who Was Born Without Fingers On Her Hands
earringnut 8 years ago
as someone who makes jewelry with fingers just let me say that is more impressive than most folks will ever know.
#17
When There’s A Will There’s A Way, And This Is Certainly True For Zuly Sanguino, Her Desire To Paint Is Stronger Than Her Disability
Gillian Black 8 years ago
we are all disabled in some way we just have to learn to accept it and use it, these are beautiful, gee I fail with a stick figure
#18
Mariam Paré Painting A Portrait Of Chuck Close With Her Mouth
Samantha Bing 8 years ago
WOW - I can barely keep food in my mouth and she paints this amazing work of art with hers? TRULY AMAZING
Kristel Bijnen 8 years ago
"I can barely keep food in my mouth" that made me chuckle!
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Hayley Lightcap 8 years ago
I want to know how she does her makeup, with painting it makes sense she does it with her mouth but you can't use your mouth for eyelashes
Chloe Oldenberg 8 years ago
AW MAN this is super cool because chuck close is also a disabled artist who used to do photo-realistic painting, but once he was mostly paralyzed he switched to the style shown in the back round!!!!!
#19
Steve Chambers Paints A Scene Of Two Boats By Holding A Paintbrush In His Mouth Because A Rare Condition Means He Was Born With His Arms Devoid Of Muscles
#20
Yang Is Attentively Creating Chinese Paper Cutting Art. At The Age Of 10 He Was Diagnosed With Als Disease So His Art Is Mostly Made By His Face. A Piece Of Elastic Is Wrapped Around His Face To Help His Debilitated Hands Moving The Graver
#21
My Mouth Painting. I'm Only Physically Able To Paint By Holding The Brush In My Mouth
Gillian Black 8 years ago
the detail in all of these blows the mind is it because I am to busy to notice or lazy
Thundor Fox 8 years ago
That's amazing, these people have so much determination and courage to not give their dreams up!
#22
Tommy Hollenstein Paints With The Help Of His Wheelchair, Which He Was Bound To After A Mountain Bike Accident Left Him With A Broken Neck
Kristel Bijnen 8 years ago
Well, if you broke your neck and are left paralyzed. You can be bound to a wheelchair, yes. I know there are people that can learn how to walk again after being (partial) paralyzed. But many people can't. What was your question?
Load More Replies... #23
Desmond Blair Is An Inspring Artist With A Difference - He Was Born Without Hands
Wamma Lamma 8 years ago
I hope Desmond's art is being displayed somewhere in person where people get a chance to see it up close. Wow!!
earringnut 8 years ago
he really a point of view and a style of his own. both require more than "just" talent.
#24
James Dunn Is A 23-Year-Old, Aspiring Photographer Living With A Condition Called Epidermolysis Bullosa, Which Makes His Skin Incredibly Fragile And Prone To Blistering And Scarring. He's Been Finding Ways To Capture The World He Sees, Despite The Fact That He Cannot Use His Hands
Wamma Lamma 8 years ago
This bottom photo is one of the most beautiful photos I've ever seen. How did he do that?!?! Wow, wow, wow these are great.
#25
Disability Never Held This Mumbai University Student Back! Dhiraj Satavilkar, Who Has No Hands, Uses His Feet To Shape, Design And Paint Clay Models
#26
Brian Tagalog Was Born Without Arms, But He Has Never Let This Serious Adversity Keep Him From Leading A Normal Life. He Believes He Is The Only Certified Tattoo Artist Without Arms In The World
#27
Disabled Artist Leanne Beetham Paints Incredible Scenes By Holding The Paintbrush In Her Mouth
Wamma Lamma 8 years ago
The intricate details are astounding- the painting of the two women almost looks like a photograph--these are so gorgeous.
#28
Keith Jansz Was Left Paralysed After Breaking His Neck In A Car Crash. After Reaching Rock Bottom He Learnt To Paint Using His Mouth
Wamma Lamma 8 years ago
These are really incredible and I love Italy-how talented and inspiring!
Gillian Black 8 years ago
hidden talents come out is strange ways and it takes something to bring them out
#29
Pema Tshering Has Cerebral Palsy, But Can Use His Feet Like Hands. An Incredible Artist, And Absolutely Fascinating To Watch
#30
Pete Eckert Didn’t Take Photography Seriously Until He Went Totally Blind. Talking With People In Galleries Builds A Bridge Between His Mind’s Eyes And Their Vision Of His Work
Cheryl Gran 6 years ago
fabulous! and so many others that unfortunately I don't have time to share
#31
I Present You With This Badass, Painting With His Mouth. Lost His Arms During Military Service
earringnut 8 years ago
thank you sir for serving your country, whatever country that might be.
#32
British Artist Sargy Mann Started To Go Blind In His Mid Thirties. Before He Went Completely Blind He Defined Himself As A Landscape Painter, But Since Then, His Artworks Have Become More Complex And Mysterious
#33
Paralyzed Vietnamese Veteran Creates Stunning Artwork With His Mouth
#34
Brendan Patrick Lost His Sight Due To Complications Of Cystic Fibrosis But That Didn't Stop Him From Painting
#35
Helen Rae Is A 77 Year Old Deaf And Completely Non Verbal Artist. In 1990, When She Was 50 Years Old, Her Mother Enrolled Her At First Street Gallery, A Local Program For Adults With Disabilities, Where She Developed Her Drawing Skills
Wamma Lamma 8 years ago
Her talent incredible and what a loving mother to encourage her. Proof it's never too late to do your dream, people.
Stefano Aprea 8 years ago
Yes, skills. but if you don't have any, you can't see them in others.
Load More Replies... #36
This Man Is Using His Mouth To Paint
#37
Jeffrey Ladow Uses His Mouth To Hold A Paint Brush While He Works On An Oil Painting In His Home
George Macmillan 3 years ago
When I see these artists I feel totally ashamed of myself, I sometimes cant be bothered to lift a pencil or brush, seeing these inspiring people has made me get my finger out and stop wasting time.
Wamma Lamma 8 years ago
His paintings are so beautiful. I am so inspired to be creative after seeing this! No more excuses.
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What do you think ?
Rebecca Coleman 8 years ago
I always love seeing the work of talented artists, and an Iris Grace painting actually hangs on the wall to my left as I write this. But I just want to offer some respectful feedback: many disabled people would be bothered by this post, or at least by some of the language used in this post, because they tend to feel like "inspiration porn," and it is not a good feeling. Basically, some disabled people find it very fulfilling to be symbols of inspiration and motivation, but many don't, because they just want to be, well, people. And they find it degrading when people take the attitude, "if they're capable of that, well then I must be capable of anything, if I only believe in myself!" I'm an artist who has autism and severe mental health problems, and it does mean a lot to me to encourage and strengthen people when I can, but I always, always want to be seen as a whole person. (To hear another perspective, I suggest googling "ted talk stella young".)
Full Name 8 years ago
"Compassion is the spontaneous response of love; pity, the involuntary reflex of fear". I get why people might not want either of these things and just to be treated "normal" but in reality almost nobody gets treated "normal". Movie stars and athletes don't get treated "normal" nor do people who do things we don't like on the other side of the spectrum. All you can do is remember that people treat each other according mostly to how the feel about themselves. If they're treating you with pity, they're just projecting their own fears and insecurities on to you so just try to take it for what it is.
Load More Replies... Petra Christovová 8 years ago
Wow. Those people are really inspiring. Whenever I feel like my life is a pile of b******t and I have no mood for painting, I will remember this. Their love for art is obviously bigger than the huge obstacles in form of severe disabilities.
Gillian Black 8 years ago
I have a passion for disability after both my sons were born with one each, and know that inside the talents are there just bursting to come out, but that said we all have them but never find them life is to busy, it would be a better world if we all stoped and gave into it
Dave Peacock 5 years ago
Amazing work. Just last week during a Q & A I did in support of a work of mine that achieved recognition in the first Welsh annual awards for disabled creatives I referenced a book called "Painters First" by Marc Alexander. Full of Art than most of us would be happy to grace our walls. nearly all done by mouth or feet manipulating the brush. Put my own disabilty well in the shade. Another Artist, who has worked in ceramics for decades while only being able to see the most basic of outlines has achieved international acclaim. ( https://www.miararts.com/artists/beverly-bell-hughes/ ) Now 72, last year as well as having a solo exhibition for several weeks in one of Londons major Galleries, she beat off all ( able bodied ) comers to win the prestigious Gold Medal for Craft and Design at the National Eisteddfod for Wales. The last 30 years being an advocate for equality and inclusion for the work of disabled artists and living proof that neither age nor disability need be artistic barriers
Rebecca Coleman 8 years ago
I always love seeing the work of talented artists, and an Iris Grace painting actually hangs on the wall to my left as I write this. But I just want to offer some respectful feedback: many disabled people would be bothered by this post, or at least by some of the language used in this post, because they tend to feel like "inspiration porn," and it is not a good feeling. Basically, some disabled people find it very fulfilling to be symbols of inspiration and motivation, but many don't, because they just want to be, well, people. And they find it degrading when people take the attitude, "if they're capable of that, well then I must be capable of anything, if I only believe in myself!" I'm an artist who has autism and severe mental health problems, and it does mean a lot to me to encourage and strengthen people when I can, but I always, always want to be seen as a whole person. (To hear another perspective, I suggest googling "ted talk stella young".)
Full Name 8 years ago
"Compassion is the spontaneous response of love; pity, the involuntary reflex of fear". I get why people might not want either of these things and just to be treated "normal" but in reality almost nobody gets treated "normal". Movie stars and athletes don't get treated "normal" nor do people who do things we don't like on the other side of the spectrum. All you can do is remember that people treat each other according mostly to how the feel about themselves. If they're treating you with pity, they're just projecting their own fears and insecurities on to you so just try to take it for what it is.
Load More Replies... Petra Christovová 8 years ago
Wow. Those people are really inspiring. Whenever I feel like my life is a pile of b******t and I have no mood for painting, I will remember this. Their love for art is obviously bigger than the huge obstacles in form of severe disabilities.
Gillian Black 8 years ago
I have a passion for disability after both my sons were born with one each, and know that inside the talents are there just bursting to come out, but that said we all have them but never find them life is to busy, it would be a better world if we all stoped and gave into it
Dave Peacock 5 years ago
Amazing work. Just last week during a Q & A I did in support of a work of mine that achieved recognition in the first Welsh annual awards for disabled creatives I referenced a book called "Painters First" by Marc Alexander. Full of Art than most of us would be happy to grace our walls. nearly all done by mouth or feet manipulating the brush. Put my own disabilty well in the shade. Another Artist, who has worked in ceramics for decades while only being able to see the most basic of outlines has achieved international acclaim. ( https://www.miararts.com/artists/beverly-bell-hughes/ ) Now 72, last year as well as having a solo exhibition for several weeks in one of Londons major Galleries, she beat off all ( able bodied ) comers to win the prestigious Gold Medal for Craft and Design at the National Eisteddfod for Wales. The last 30 years being an advocate for equality and inclusion for the work of disabled artists and living proof that neither age nor disability need be artistic barriers
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