Brom Wikstrom

Brom Wikstrom is an American artist from Seattle, Washington,[1] who paints by mouth.[2][3] He is a life member of The International Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists.[4]

Early life

Wikstrom was born in Seattle, Washington.[5]

Career

Wikstrom began his career as an apprentice in his father's commercial art studio, and then became a sign painter. He also hitchhiked and hopped freight trains around the country[6] and later worked for an industrial electric display company in New Orleans.

Wikstrom sustained an injury to his spinal cord while swimming and became a high level quadriplegic at the age of 21.[7] After a lengthy rehabilitation he began to paint using his mouth to hold the brush and started volunteering his time at Children's Hospital in Seattle.[8] He speaks to school and community groups and operates his own gallery in Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood titled Wikstrom Brothers Gallery. His paintings are included in many collections such as Ballard High School in Seattle.[9] Brom's paintings have been displayed around the world including Shanghai, Sydney, Vienna, Lisbon, Athens and New York City.[10]

He has given painting demonstrations to the Emperor and Empress of Japan,[11] Andy Warhol and thousands of people around the world.[12] Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire appointed Brom a commissioner on the Washington State Arts Commission.[13][14] He is a member and past president of the Puget Sound Group of Northwest Painters.

In 2011 Wikstrom was presented an award as artist-in-action during Seattle's Annual Uptown Stroll.[15]

In 2014, Wikstrom lives in Seattle with his wife Anne,[16] a gardener, dental hygenist and world traveler.

References

  1. ↑ "Drawing New Conclusions" « Access Press
  2. ↑ Deaf Life Magazine. 1994. p. ii.
  3. ↑ USA: Disabled artists paint works of art using their mouths instead of their hands
  4. ↑ "These artists paint with courage". Lodi News-Sentinel – Mar 13, 1986
  5. ↑ "Robert Wikstrom turned art into business". Seattle Times. By Tan Vinh
  6. ↑ Honorary degree recipient Ornette Coleman in Ann Arbor: 1973, 1986 and 2004
  7. ↑ "Seattle Artists Faces The World One Brush Stoke At A Time". Komo News. May 12, 2005
  8. ↑ "Illustrators Of Ethnic Folktales For Children Offer A Holiday Delight". Philly.com, By Victoria Donohoe, INQUIRER ART CRITIC December 14, 1997
  9. ↑ "High art at Ballard school". Ballard News-Tribune. By Dean Wong July 6 2006
  10. ↑ Alexandra Rabins; C. David Reader; John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (U.S.). Very Special Arts (1999). The journey to here: 25 stories for 25 years. Disability Today Pub. Group. p. 79. ISBN 978-0-9680667-8-2.
  11. ↑ "A limit, not an end". Spinal Cord Injury Zone. March 27, 2004
  12. ↑ Home & Garden | A Charmed Corner | Seattle Times Newspaper
  13. ↑ " His art sends a clear message: Don’t let go of lifetime dream". Seattle Times, July 6, 2007
  14. ↑ "Disabled artists get broad stroke of resilience". USA Today. By Kate Naseef
  15. ↑ "11th Annual Uptown Stroll and art festival proves a major success". Queen Anne and Magnolia News. By Ann Pearce
  16. ↑ "ACCESSIBLE HOME SITS SKY HIGH OVER SEATTLE". San Diego Union Tribune. By Rebecca Teagarden Jan. 10, 2015

External links

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