From Limitation to Inspiration
Have you ever feel discouraged because you feel like you’ve been here "forever" and haven’t made that big sale? Do you ever feel like simply quitting because it’s too hard?
Well, can you imagine being born with severe cerebral palsy and facing a life with a disability that would impede your speech AND mobility? Paul Smith, born on Sep 21st, 1921, did just that but he didn’t let that stop him from becoming a master artist.
Paul used a typewriter to create his masterpieces. (For you young’uns, see ancient photo above). When typing, he used his left hand to steady his right one. Since he couldn’t press two keys at the same time, he usually locked the shift key and made his pictures using the symbols at the top of the number keys.
In other words, his pictures were used some letters but mostly: ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( )_ Paul created hundreds of pictures. As his typewriter skills grew, he developed techniques to create shadings, colors and textures that made his work resemble pencil or charcoal drawings.
He passed away Jun 25, 2009 but he left behind a collection of artwork that is an inspiration for many. This is a sample of his work.
It's hard to imagine that how these were done with simply a typewriter but the video shows some of the detail and tells more about him. It's 11 minutes long but you can scroll through.
I've typed on these ancient creatures and wasn't very good at simply typing a letter much less art! I use the delete key on my keyboard a lot! How bad is that?!?!?
What's my point? I'll give you 4:
1-It's humbling that with all the tools at our disposal, with some exception, most of us are able bodied people, yet we still whine about how hard it is to succeed here
2-I'm sure he didn't sit down at the typewriter one day and create these masterpieces
3-It took work, energy, commitment, tenacity and at times probably frustration
4- He learned this on his own (no Kyle or Jay)
We have everything we need to succeed including step by step guidance-- no excuses.
Paul Smith is truly an inspiration to me and I hope to you as well.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs
~Debbi
Recent Comments
28
I wanna be like Paul! I am like Paul! Paul is my hero! Have a wonderful weekend my friend! John
Paul is MY hero too on many levels...his art, his spirit and heck, even his ability to conquer that ancient beast!!! 🤣
~Debbi
That is so true, Debbi, we live in I want it now society, and if the Pay Pal balance ain't expanding by mid-afternoon then I'm done frame of mind.
We have to stop and take stock when we observe people who are achieving even though they awake to face Mt Everest on a daily bassis.
Grest food for thought.
Have an awesome weekend.
Alex
Yes, instant gratification. He overcame insurmountable odds!
Thanks for your comment, Alex.
~Debbi
I watched that twelve-minute video in its entirety. It was fascinating! That Paul Smith was talented and extremely tenacious. You make some good, motivating points in your post. Thanks for introducing Mr. Smith to me.
You're welcome. When I saw him, I was in awe and had to share. His legacy and inspiration lives on. 😊
~Debbi
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Hi Debbi. This is such a great story. Enough to make me want to kick my own butt to get up and start going all over again.
Inspiring.
Candy Benn
He was amazing. Makes me feel like such a slug! 🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for stopping by.