There's An Art To It

Despite paralysis, Deasia finds a path to creativity.

As a young girl, Deasia was in a car crash that left her paralyzed and unable to breathe without mechanical ventilation. She remembers always having a fondness for drawing, and she eventually discovered during her healthcare journey that she could paint by holding the brush in her mouth.

When she was admitted to the Respiratory Care Center a little over a year ago, staff learned about her love for art and made sure to accommodate it.

Now, she delights staff and visitors with her colorful artwork and positive outlook. She paints for the joy of it, but also to express her creativity and feelings. “Painting,” she says, “is my destiny. When I was in my car wreck, God taught me something – that we can’t run away from our destiny.”

Art Talk with Deasia

WHAT TYPE OF ART DO YOU LIKE TO DO?

Acrylic painting-because it dries quicker. I’m not a fan of watercolors, they bleed too much.

HOW DIFFICULT IS IT FOR YOU TO PAINT?

Painting comes easy to me. Figuring out what to paint is the challenge. I love different things to challenge myself with.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WORK OF ART THAT YOU HAVE DONE?

One of my favorites is the Koala Bear I did in 2022. What I like about it is the colors and the woods that it’s in. I like it because that’s where the Koala is most comfortable in the trees, their home. The colors I paint with all have a meaning. Green–growth, new beginnings, White–healing and protection, Black– mysterious and powerful.

HOW DOES ROCKCASTLE HELP YOU PRACTICE YOUR ART?

The activities department helps me with my paintings.

WHAT DOES PAINTING MEAN TO YOU?

Painting helps me figure out the person I am inside, and the person I want to be: Sweet, Fun, Loving, Sassy, Unique, and Growing with God.