I am thrilled to present my series of paintings for the “Cane’s Perspective” project, a heartfelt collaboration with Dave Steele, The Blind Poet. Inspired by his beautiful poem, this series captures the emotional journey of using a mobility cane.
Hearing Dave’s poetry in 2020 made me feel truly understood for the first time. We both have Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare eye condition causing blindness. I finally met him in 2022 at the VISIONS conference in Orlando. (Yes, I’m wearing Mickey Mouse ears in the picture—don’t judge 😆).
The first painting portrays Dave’s initial doubt and embarrassment about using the cane, a vulnerable moment we all face. The second shows him reaching out for the cane, with a real cane included in front of the painting for viewers to connect with. The third painting illustrates his newfound confidence, featuring two little girls to highlight that cane use can start at any age. This piece was inspired by a friend’s granddaughters learning to use a cane. The fourth is a textured close-up of a cane with the poem’s final verse: “It’s you and me forever. I am your mobility cane.”
Creating this series has been a deeply personal and emotional journey. Let’s help spread awareness and normalize the mobility cane. I hope this series provides understanding and meaning to all who see it.
You can view the audio alongside my art and listen to the beautiful poem by visiting my main homepage and scrolling down. Please help us raise awareness by sharing this video with others to help normalize the mobility cane.
Thank you!
Raquel
