‘One-handed’ artist creates beautiful pieces

When Wilford Wilson was attending Holmwood Technical High School in Manchester in 1990, he discovered that he had a knack for the arts after observing his friend Andrew Ingram.

"He was the one who really inspired me, he is a very good artist. He would help me with observation drawing and from then I started practising. In less than two weeks I was able to do a portrait of him, and from there I started developing my skills on my own," he said.

But in 2000, just a year after he joined the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Wilson was travelling home in Mandeville when he was hit from his motorbike by another motorist.

The nerves in his right hand were severely damaged. Initially, Wilson said he thought that he would not be able to draw again. He was admitted to the Kingston Public Hospital for three months, and underwent several surgeries to revive his dominant hand. None were successful, but Wilson was not discouraged. He believes the accident gave him an opportunity to nurture his passion in art. The 47-year-old persevered, and decided to teach himself to use his left hand.

"I couldn't do anything with my right hand. I had to start all over again. Over time, I started to get better and better," he said.

'IT GIVES ME HOPE

Having left the Jamaica Fire Brigade in 2009, he is now a full-time artist, not allowing his physical challenges to deter him from creating art.

"Whenever I draw, it gives me hope. It's just a feeling which words cannot convey, it's just the passion that I have for art that makes me feel good. The reaction from people when I do a portrait, it's more than even the money I earn that gives me a sense of satisfaction. I get a sense of joy because I didn't know I would be able to draw with my left hand," Wilson shared.

He told THE STAR that he does not consider himself disabled, as he considers himself capable of completing tasks even though his dominant hand is completely paralysed. The artist is hopeful that he will be able to expand his business, eager to accept new clients. Wilson has completed murals for schools across the island, does graphic design, creates cartoons and does portraits, including one of sprint legend Usain Bolt. He is urging persons who may have faced a similar fate to not give up hope, but continue to persevere just as he did.

"You have to change your mindset. Don't feel sorry for yourself and don't let anyone get you down. You have to believe in yourself and know who you are. The changes begin with yourself and accept the fact that the situation happened, love yourself and be positive as well as work hard," he said.