Angel Wing Art Farm

Sometimes it takes a while to come to terms with one’s life. This series I have created is one of those instances where, after many years, I finally took such a step. In 1980, I was involved in a car crash that left me with injuries to my legs, and  I had to learn to walk again with the use of crutches. During that time, I still wanted to be like everyone else. When I realized that wasn’t going to happen, I faced the facts and quit running from who I was. To come to terms with it, I created a series of reverse glass paintings I titled “Beautifully Broken” that featured abstract figures using crutches in an expressionistic painting scheme. As I researched the type of art I would paint, I noticed that people with disabilities have been rarely included in the field of art. Hence, I thought,” How about doing a series of disabled people by a disabled dude?” and that is how “Beautiful Broken” was started with the thought that people with disabilities can be an art and an artist can be disabled. But there is more to the story. That idea was the jumping-off point, but the gist of the matter is that color is also a significant part of the work I create. In the use of color, for these paintings, I aimed to employ contrasting hues to create a piece that vibrates with energy. Next was the use of reverse glass painting to convey my feelings, which is another story. At the time I was developing the idea, I was an etched glass artist who etched front doors and any other glass items, so the transition to using glass was only natural. I love to scratch out the paint and see what comes of it. Art is sometimes planned, but the best is often the unexpected. For me, that is what reverse glass painting gave me. So, enjoy the series, and we will let time take us where it leads us. Onward. KRAFCIK  www.angelwingartfarm.com