Incredible artist uses her feet and mouth to create intricate paintings
Few people can paint beautiful works of art. Even fewer can do so without the use of their hands.
Visual artist Alana Ciena Tillman was born without muscle use in her hands, but that hasn't stopped her from following her dreams of becoming a painter.
"I've been painting since I was 5," Tillman told Mashable in an email. "Painting by mouth came naturally. I was born this way so it was logical to put a pencil or pen in my mouth to write my name or draw. So painting came shortly after."
Tillman is a member of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists of America, an organization that backs artists who paint with their mouths and feet due to birth defects or life-changing accidents by providing materials and training at no cost. With their support, she has managed to create numerous works that are incredibly intricate and beautiful.
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Image: alana ciena tillman
One of the most amazing things about Tillman's work is its variety. She is able to paint a multitude of subjects, from people to animals to landscapes.
"I'm inspired by food, nature, landscapes," she said. "I just try to manipulate those subjects in interesting ways, whether it's with color, style or painting technique. My style Is a mix of impressionism, abstract and urban."
As for reactions to Tillman's work, she says people are positive overall. They're also especially impressed to discover that her paintings are not painted with her hands.
"People usually say, 'Wow, I can use my hands and can't even draw,'" she said. "I think people are inspired seeing someone overcome adversities. It's kinda like, what's your excuse?"
Image: ALANA CIENA TILLMAN
Image: ALANA CIENA TILLMAN
Image: ALANA CIENA TILLMAN
Image: ALANA CIENA TILLMAN
Image: ALANA CIENA TILLMAN
Image: ALANA CIENA TILLMAN
