I was born in a pretty big city called Saginaw, Michigan and later my parents moved us
to a smaller farming community. By us, I mean me and my three other sisters. I decided
then I loved the country life. As a disabled child, the freedom of the country roads was
great.

I was born with a disability known as Arthrogryposis. It affects all my limbs, and at a
young age, ten, I had major back surgery. The surgery caused me to lose what use I had of my hands. I had the type of lifestyle where feeling sorry for myself was not an option, I
wasn't raised a quitter. So, I taught myself to write holding a pencil in my mouth. At school I had to use an armbrace which supported my arm so I could write with my left hand, but
writing with my mouth proved much neater. I had to prove to my teachers that my
sister was not doing my homework.

As time passed I found myself drawing. I drew more than I did homework. I loved and
decided I was going to take art classes at school. That did it. I loved creating, and my
parents then bought me my first art kit. I began using charcoal, pastels and watercolors. I was very happy. As I started high school though my art took a back seat, and then
college came and I was a business student. I have my degree in business.

It wasn't until I was married in 1992 that I took up my art work again. My husband Joe
convinced me I should go back to my passion. So, I started a long road to where I am now. I love using my acrylics, and work hard at my craft. Because I paint using my mouth my
husband has become my hands part, he squirts my paint on my palette and cleans my
brushes. Painting with my mouth has just become second nature, it was meant to be.

......Lori

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