She Lost Her Sight. Not Her Art. | Lena Regina Smith | eleVIVO

What happens when an artist begins to lose her sight, but not her creativity?In this episode of Thriving with Vision Loss, Michelle sits down with Lena Regina Smith, a multidisciplinary artist based in Northwest Arkansas whose work gained national recognition after she transitioned from photography to tactile, multi-sensory painting following vision loss from Granular Corneal Dystrophy (GCD). Lena shares her journey of artistic reinvention, her experience winning the 2024 National Rare Artist Award, and why accessibility, texture, and community have become central to her practice.Cover Art Description: The cover art shows Lena Regina Smith smiling outdoors, holding two paintbrushes crossed in front of her, one a wide house-style brush and the other a long fine-tipped artist's brush. She wears a colorful paint-splattered top in blue, red, and yellow. Text on the cover reads: Lost her sight. Not her art. With Lena Regina Smith. The eleVIVO logo appears in the lower left corner.Thriving with Vision Loss is an eleVIVO original series sharing stories, practical tools, and lived wisdom from people building meaningful lives with blindness or low vision. We begin each episode with a brief audio description to ensure blind and low-vision listeners can fully share the experience. eleVIVO supports individuals and families navigating vision loss, and is designed to scale in partnership with agencies and nonprofit organizations that serve them.In this episode, you will learn:● How Granular Corneal Dystrophy affected Lena's vision and identity as an artist● What it took to reimagine her creative practice after vision loss● How tactile and multi-sensory art became her medium, not a workaround● What accessible art means for both artists and audiences● What galleries, museums, and arts organizations could do better● How winning the 2024 National Rare Artist Award changed how she sees herself● What she wants newly vision-impaired artists to knowWhat part of Lena's story resonated with you? Share your thoughts with us.If this conversation inspires you and you would like to share your story, email [email protected] and ResourcesIf you or someone you care about is navigating vision loss, learn more about eleVIVO at the link below.https://elevivo.comMore from Lena Regina SmithInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/lenareginaartist/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/lenareginaartist/Portfolio:https://www.cohart.com/lenaregina/profileEmail: [email protected] NoteSpecial thanks to Scott Joffre (The Blind Striker) for accessibility insights that helped shape this episode.The Blind Striker YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@theblindstrikerMusic Credit and Thank YouEnding music: "Circles" by Classless ActUsed with permission.Deep thanks to our friends in Classless Act for generously sharing their music and supporting Thriving with Vision Loss and the blindness community. The closing lyrics reflect the heart of this series, choosing your own path, making it happen, and finding your way to happiness.Learn more about Classless Act:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/classlessactLive fan performances (shared with permission):YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@classlessactarmyThis conversation reflects personal experience and is not intended as medical or legal advice.Support and ResourcesMore from Lena Regina SmithAccessibility NoteMusic Credit and Thank You