Drawing with the Blink of His Eyes

For most of us, learning to draw what we see is a huge challenge. But for quadriplegic Thomas Nelson, the challenge is to literally see what he draws. Thomas, who is completely paralyzed, except for his eyes, draws pictures by blinking his eyes.

Eight years ago, at 57 years old, Thomas was living the life of his dreams. But then he received devastating news that would radically alter the course of his life. He writes in his online journal:

"In 2001 I was a year into retirement and having the time of my life as a full-time working musician. Little did I suspect that fate was winding up to deliver a curve ball that caught me right squarely between the eyes.

"This particular missile came in the form of a diagnosis of ALS. I guess I'm fortunate that my version of paralysis began in my feet and worked it's way up because it gave me a few extra years before my arms and hands became too weak to play."

ALS, also known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease", progressively shut down the functions of Thomas' muscles. He was forced to adapt. "With little time to mourn my losses, I turned my face to the wind and never looked back. The constant through it all has been my computer. Through the computer I stay connected with friends and family, manage my personal affairs, read books, and communicate with the people around me."

As a creative outlet, Thomas devised a way to draw. He uses E Z Keys scanning software, Xara Xtreme graphics editing software, and an IST switch that emulates a mouse click when he moves his cheek. Amazingly, he connects vector points and draws lines by blinking his eyes.

"By necessity the lines I draw are slow and methodical, but I want them to appear loose and free," writes Thomas. When describing his creative process he says, "Basically, I'm limited to drawing standard geometric shapes and straight lines, then I use a shape editor tool to bend the shapes and line to my liking."

With the blink of an eye Thomas Nelson creates wonderful drawings. In each drawing we see the work of a man determined to beat the odds as he overcomes every challenge thrown in his path. "When I was first diagnosed with ALS the doctor gave me five years to live, but when I told him I couldn't pay the bill he gave me five more. Seems to be working." Draw on, Thomas!

View Thomas' gallery on Deviant Art

Thomas' websites for helping artists and others to overcome the debilitating effects of disease and injury, and continue to live happy and productive lives: Computers4Quads Hand Picked Designs