Mariam Paré
I became a patient at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab at age 20 after surviving gun violence by an unknown assailant — an event that changed everything for me physically, emotionally and artistically. I had been an artist before my injury. Rehabilitation became a place where I could rebuild not just my physical abilities, but also my confidence and passion for art. Art therapy was a lifeline during a challenging transition. It gave me a safe space to process my experience and was a helpful way for me to explore my abilities. I learned to write my signature with my mouth, and I learned to use mouth sticks for a variety of things, which led to drawing and painting with my mouth! Now, 23 years later, I am a visual artist, designer and member of Mouth & Foot Painting Artists (MFPA). My colorful portraits and multimedia work incorporate gun violence and disability awareness. I hope my art and the way I paint is a reminder to others that we are all capable of reinvention. When we embrace our circumstances, we can use them to inspire new forms of expression.
Inter-abled No.1 24” x 24”
Inter-abled No.2 24” x 24”
18
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