Paul Smith was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 21, 1921. He was diagnosed with severe spastic cerebral palsy at a very young age, which made daily life very difficult for him. His lack of fine motor control in his face and hands made schooling impossible. He needed help to do many things we take for granted. Most painful among them was the almost insurmountable challenge of expressing himself.
But he persevered. Smith would develop an interest in creating art with a typewriter at the age of 11. It would become the main outlet for Smith to express himself. He used only a handful of keys - !, @, #, %, ^, _, (, &, ). As you can see, it’s all very impressive. Many people who enjoy art find the level of detail in his pieces difficult to achieve, even though they are not challenged by a severe health condition. Smith's many works of art are distinguished by his very unique technique.
Smith was a very religious man. He believed his artistic ability was a gift from God. There were many of his works that used Jesus and his mother Mary as subjects. Smith would find himself unable to create more art by the year 2004, as his cataracts worsened to the point that his art suffered. He passed away in 2007.
Watch and be inspired by a man who refused to be confined by what challenged him most and proved to the world that those with disabilities can still live full and enriching lives.