09/19/2021
Let me introduce myself, my name is Tabitha Qualls. Ten years ago, my niece, Bekah, asked me to watercolor paint. While this may not seem too unusual to most, at age seven I was diagnosed with juvenile glaucoma. Upon diagnosis, they found that I had 2% of my optic nerve still functioning. That means I am legally blind, I have low vision. I have decreased acuity and field of vision, impacting my ability to see without glasses and other modifications. I have always desired to create art but was too scared to try. It was risky. What if what I created, and I thought was beautiful, wasn't good enough? However, my niece wasn't concerned with the possible results. She was only grateful to have me paint. That was all the encouragement and motivation I needed to start.
I am so thankful to God for guiding me, directing my passions as an artist and as an Occupational therapist. My faith, as well as my very supportive family and friends, have steadied me through multiple health problems. Art is my stress relief, my moment to take a deep breath and steady my heart and my mind. It has always been something that has blessed me. I hope now, by me sharing my art with others you are blessed too.
