02/11/2020
Paige was featured on the Cure RTD page for her artistic contributions! You can leave your own questions for her and the family to answer on our Live Q&A (November 29th) any of our posts' comments. We plan to answer all of your questions and we are looking forward to spending time with all of you! Don't forget to donate to our fundraiser (link below) and be on the lookout for a new video this Friday!
https://www.facebook.com/donate/786086382232661/
As we kick-off RTD Awareness month, we are getting to know the creator of this year’s CureRTD Awareness artwork, artist and illustrator, Paige Snedeker.
1. What inspired you to create this artwork, other than my asking you? What do the pieces represent? What inspires you in general?
As a RTD Warrior, and a sister to two brothers with RTD, I am greatly inspired to raise awareness and find a cure. Doing this artwork allows me to express my hope.
2. What is your artistic background? Do you have any formal artistic training? What techniques and mediums do you use in your artwork?
I began to do art after I came home from the hospital when I was four years old. I lost the ability to do almost everything. My hands were weak, and I couldn’t use them. My aunt brought some colored markers to uplift my discouraged spirit. She instilled the love of art in me and I learned to draw with my toes. As I grew older, I regained the strength and started to draw with my hands. The love of art never left me. I continued to do art and learned when I reached the age of thirteen, my hands began to weaken again. I could no longer do art with my toes because of my low vision. Instead, I trained myself to paint with my mouth. The idea was inspired by Joni Eareckson Tada.
In my high school years, I was given an art teacher who taught me different techniques for art. I learned how to use different materials. I used the skills my teacher taught me to illustrate children’s books.
Often when I do art, I use a canvas and acrylic paint. I have also done art with broken glass, watercolors, paper towels, balloon, sponges, Q-tip, paintbrushes, and my fingers with the assistant of others. I often use a pour paint technique nowadays where I hold a funnel, syringe, or colander in my mouth and create my pattern while someone pours paint into it.
3. How do you know when a piece of artwork is finished? Do you begin your creations with an idea of a completed piece, or do you wait and see how it all comes together as you go through the process?
Often, I will brainstorm what I would like the piece to look like before I begin. I also like to play around and experiment as I go. I will analyze my work to see if I like it to decide if I need to add something, make changes, or if I am satisfied with the finished product. It is different for every artwork I do. I am very particular.
4. What do you like most about being an artist?
I love having the ability to pour forth the image that plays in my mind and bring it to life. It is very stress relieving for me when I am able to pour out my feelings.
5. My son with RTD is also an artist, so I know that there are certain aspects of creating a piece that are challenging to him because of his physical limitations. What, if anything, do you find challenging when creating a work of art?
Because I can’t use my hands, the hardest part for me is finding an artistic person to help me with my art. I often have to explain to whoever is helping me what I want the art to look like, and it is easier if they have an artistic background and mind. That helps them understand what I am talking about. Certain light colors are harder for me to see, so I require people to be very specific when I work with those colors. I also struggle if I am working with an image that is small and harder for me to see. I rely on others’ hands and eyes.
6. Tell us a little bit about the Paige Project. When did you start creating books and do you have anything new in the works? Where can people go to learn more about you and your art?
In high school I began writing and illustrating my first children’s book, “Sofia and Her Morningstar.” I later wrote and illustrated a second book, “Camo’s Journey” and illustrated a book for a friend of mine called, “I Love You the Mostest.”I wanted to use my skills to share my story and inspire others to overcome adversity in their life. In January 2019, I officially founded my nonprofit, The Paige Project. Currently I am working on writing my memoir. I have started a third children’s book for my series but have temporarily put that aside until my memoir is completed.
You can find more information about The Paige Project on our website, www.thepaigeproject.org.
You can also find us on social media at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePaigeProject/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paigeproject/
Twitter: @ paige_project
7. Lastly, what do you feel the role of an artist is in our society? Do you think that role has changed over the past year with the pandemic?
As an artist, I hope to show others that anything is possible and that no matter our limitations, we can overcome and do something amazing in a unique way. The pandemic has made me want to try new things and be more creative. I think for many people it has caused them to want to do art and pour out their feelings. It can be hard for people to express themselves through words, especially during the pandemic, but I think art gives us a way to express our creativity through colors and images.
