$950- Self Portrait- Glasses. 24″x36″ Acrylic on canvas.

I was born with poor vision: severe astigmatism and severe nearsightedness.  At the age of 4, I was told I had to wear glasses. I was fairly defiant and didn’t wear them like I should of, but at the age zof 9 I got sat in the back of the classroom and that’s when I noticed that I couldn’t read the board. From that day, I wore them everyday. I struggled with my vision all through childhood. It was pretty rough having people look at my face through coke bottle glasses. I got teased and stared at, but I think the worst part was the looks of sympathy. I created this image to represent the numerous eye charts I’ve stared at in my lifetime, the blurriness, and the resentment I had towards my vision for so long. Of course, my view on that has changed. I still have bad vision, but I’m thankful that the vision I have is correctable. Today, I put my contacts in everyday, and everyday I thank God that after I put them in, I can see and then I smile.

NOTE: in Sept. 2019, I got diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome. Looking back at many of my childhood stories and paintings, I realize how this genetic disorder personally impacted the narrative of my life. I’m now hoping to raise awareness of this disorder through my art, stories, and through my #MoosieContemplations instagram campaign.

If you feel inclined, please share theses stories and/or donate to my fundraising page for the upcoming #WalkForVictory on 12/7/2019 with the Marfan Foundation.