James Kessinger - The Blind Artist. Must read!


Hey guys I am so excited and thankful to Grow Influence for giving me the opportunity to work on the James Kessinger project. I was chosen as the winner of the project, and I am excited not only because it is for a good cause but because I feel it will be very inspirational and beneficial to my readers. Before I go into the project I will give you guys a brief history on James.

How many people can say they still pursued their life long dream after facing a huge obstacle such as loosing your sight, and still be successful at it. That my friends’ is the story of James Kessinger. James a modern artist and a native of Kentucky lost his sight at 32 in 1978 after the onset of Macular degeneration (a medical condition that usually affects older adults and results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field (the macula) because of damage to the retina).1



As this may seem like a “be all end all” for some people. It was not for James. He fought even harder to make his dreams a reality. The year 1976 was when James was diagnosed with macular degeneration.2 Over the next several years, his vision continued to deteriorate, and in 1979, he sold WK Products.2 Shortly thereafter, he became general manager of the packaging division of Belknap Inc. in Ocoee, FL.2 While with Belknap, he created, in Orlando, FL, Line Associates, a design and marketing company with emphasis in retail display.2 Line served customers such as Hawaiian Tropic, Proctor & Gamble, L’eggs, the National Foot ball League, Cheerleaders, as well as many entertainment and sports celebrities. He had many more achievements to come over the years.

James story has been very inspirational to me to pursue my dreams no matter the odds. Personally I can relate to this story because I lost my Dad last year and at the time I felt life became very meaningless. I made some wrong choices and even considered dropping out of school . But I am glad that I am finally were I want to be and after reading James story I have learned that life can take the worst turn when least expect it, but it is up to us not let these situations define us and to make the best of it. Finally, I want James story to inspire you my readers to keep pushing for what ever you feel is right for you no matter what life may give you. A cliché as it may sound, and for better lack of words, I will end with “When life throws lemons at you make lemonade”
My and Your world #1
To see more of James amazing art pieces or to read more about him, you can click on his website here.
 Bibliography
1. “Macular Degeneration.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Apr. 2015. Web. 16 May 2015.
2. Dickerson, Mary. “Just Imagine: James Kessigner.” 28 Feb. Web. 16 May 2015.


4 comments

  1. Wow, He proves we can do anything we want no matter what we are going through! Thanks for this inspirational post, I really needed it :) x

    http://ambershabits.blogspot.co.uk/

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Amber
      so glad you could relate and be inspired

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  2. That's truly amazing April. Congratulations on getting to be involved in such a great project!

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