Meet Gary Jackson | Oil Painting Artist & Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gary Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gary, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
My success is a byproduct of persisting in the face of failure while seeking the progressive realization of a worthy goal. Oddly enough my life took a downward spiral after being diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis in 2013. For the previous 20 years I worked in the Electrical Engineering field, post graduating from DeVry Institute of Technology. After facing seemingly insurmountable health odds for over five years both hospitals provide me the best heath care and treatment for Myasthenia Gravis. I relocated from Chicago to Houston Texas, where out of sheer boredom I pulled into A Hobby Lobby parking lot. There I bought an oil painting kit and a pack of 5 canvases. Why, I can not explain. That became the defining moment that change my life. I would started painting, first with a brush but I quickly discovered the Myasthenia Gravis would not allow me to consistently hold a brush. It did not take long to discover hold a paint brush wasn’t part of my longterm future as a painter. I could hold a paint brush for a hour, two on a good day before the Myasthenia Gravis would weaken my hand muscles to the point of no muscle strength. Finger painting felt more comfortable and the rest is history. Today I am an accomplished Artist who paints 90% of the time with his fingers.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a self taught artist. Living with limited vision throughout the day separates me and my art from most. I’ve considered myself an artist for the past three and a half years. It make me very proud to hear people whisper, he’s only been painting three and a half years with no training. He paints with his fingers and he’s dealing with vision issues. I made a choice to start trusting myself again, and loving myself, and making choices that would improve my life versus destroy it. Like art and writing a autobiography and several poetry books. Accomplishment is never easy because it requires you to defeat something or someone. My success as an artist, is a true testament to my will and determination to never be a failure. But, failure can build strong character if you’re determine. Easy is the definition of skilled, and I am a life student who majored in skills. I never compare my skill level in life to others, because it opens the door to failure. I have strong faith in me and my ability to learn, overcome, adapt and challenge myself to be the best I can become. I never let someones opinion of me become the reflection I see in the mirror. I am a self motivated man, who learned to overcome failure in order to succeed. My art is vision conveyed through my fingertips as an expression of my imagination.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Visit with my family, then head Down Town Chi-Town. We would visit Grant Park, take pictures by the Buckingham Fountain and walk over to the Bean. Take a water taxi over to Navy Pier and have something to eat at one of the mouth watering restaurants on the pier. Take a stroll to Olive Park, Oak Street Beach and walk out on the pier. Walk over to the Water Tower and have lunch at the Signature Room. Walk the Magnificent Mile and shop, have dinner at Gino’s East Pizzeria. Head to Broadview to go steppin at the Blue-Note Lounge.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, I would like to give a shoutout to my friend for over 30 years Barbra Trice. She drove over 40 mile after working all day to take me to the Emergency Room, where she stayed with me until 5 am. that same morning. My true friend stayed with me when my vision was failing me. Thank you Barbra Trice, for being a great friend who asked for nothing but my friendship in return. I would like to give a shoutout to the medical team at John H. Stroger Jr. and Rush Medical Hospital. For over five years both medical center provide me with the best heath care and treatment for Myasthenia Gravis. Where I attend weekly focus group meeting to better understand how to transition into living with Myasthenia Gravis. Last but not least my family, none of this success would be possible without the love and support of my family. I had no income for over five years and my family took great care of me. I would like to thank the village of family and friends that assisted me during my time of need, mentally and physically. I offer all of you my undying love.

Website: http://www.themessageartofpoetry.com

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Linkedin: Gary Jackson

Twitter: @abadabadoart

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