Episode 169: How to Build a Bridge Between the Sighted and Unsighted Worlds Through Art, with Blind Artist, Clarke Reynolds

I try and bridge the world between the visual and tactile worlds. You must touch the artwork. It's a way to physically engage with the art. My artwork allows you to chat with it, chat with strangers next to it, and have a conversation. ~ Clarke Reynolds We humans love to talk. It's our primary means of communication, and one specific to us as living beings. Yet so many of our conversations in this world are fraught with anger, mistrust and frustration.  Clarke Reynolds wants to change that. As a blind artist, Clarke is intent on changing people's perception of blindness through his artwork–and sparking conversation.  Despite a challenging childhood, health issues and deteriorating eyesight, Clarke was determined to follow his dreams. With his sketchbook as his role model and his "shrink," Clarke worked hard, evolving with his circumstances and using his art to tactically communicate with both the sighted and unsighted worlds. By creating a bridge through his work, Clarke helps others find commonality in experience, sparking positive interactions–and conversations. Here at Brilliantly Resilient, we understand the need to evolve. Life doesn't stand still, and neither can we if we want to live happy, fulfilling lives. That rarely means that things work out according to plan, but by keeping our mental conversations positive and focusing on doing the work, we can make an impact–even if it's not the same one we envisioned. (And it's often even better!) To hear more from Clarke, check out his website at https://www.seeingwithoutseeing.com/ and tune in to this week's edition of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast. Be sure to listen for these additional bits of brilliance: Braille is a great ice breaker; you can physically use it to tell stories. We live in a coding age. Braille is just a different way to code. Braille is just a new language, as is coding. I just show off the thought in color and shape and size. It's color-coded Braille. Having a platform has given me the impetus to make change, but you have to work hard.Being famous is about changing other people's perception of blindness. Being blind has made me a better artist–a better person. Finding your personal spark is key to resilience. Every job needs that spark of creativity. We're living too serious a life now.  Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together! XO, Kristin and Mary Fran