An Artist’s Life For the last several years I’ve taught people with disabilities how to create art. Starting at the David Clark Learning Center in the early 90’s, I found when given the opportunity and the materials to make art with guidance and assistance persons who are living with different forms of a disabling illness or injury are more than capable of creating compelling, informed, diverse and wonderful art. From working at different centers and learning about the needs of individuals I was able to independently start working with students on a one on one basis. This is my story about a very talented young woman I met almost 12 years ago, Ms. Libby Reynolds. A presentation by Linda Bigness Professional Artist and Teacher

LIBBY REYNOLDS’ ART STUDIO Libby painting in her studio using one of her many brushes attached to her wrist support. Libby uses extreme focus to apply strokes of color and line.

THE BEGINNING Libby receives a little hands on assistance by her instructor. By simply supporting Libby’s elbow, she is able to control her brush movement. The easel Libby is using is a modified standard aluminum studio easel. We removed part of the lower support of the framework to allow the easel to fit over Libby’s wheelchair.

LIBBY USING HER HEAD TO PAINT! When Libby first started to paint, we wanted her to be able to work as independently as possible. We tried several different headgears to accomplish this. Here Libby paints using a modified round metal framework with an extension for the brush.

LIBBY’S WORK IS HONORED! Libby’s work “Pizza from Outer Space” won Honorable Mention at the 2004 New York State Fair Fine Arts competition. A special note: The judges did not know about Libby's disability.

LIBBY WITH HER PROUD TEACHER! Libby is always happy to share the lime light. On Libby’s chair is a Pathfinder. Libby’s mom, Susan Reynolds, has helped her add art speak words to her vocabulary and Libby uses her knowledge of painting and art history to communicate her ideas through the pathfinder, her painter’s voice.

LIBBY’S WORK IS FEATURED AGAIN! She did it again in Libby’s work “Country Music” made quite a hit at the New York State Fair Fine Arts Exhibit and her work continues to be featured in invitational and juried shows. Libby is truly an Artist with all her spirit and soul.

MS. LIBBY REYNOLDS TODAY The work reflects the joy of painting Libby has and embraces life’s gifts in so many ways. Today she paints with her heart and hands and joyfully shares these delights with her viewers. Ms. Reynolds thanks her patrons and supporters and continues to do her work with the assistance of her mentor and friend, Linda Bigness.