Artist offers sculpting class for visually impaired

TORONTO–Bruce Brown has dedicated his life to art and sculpture.  He believes everyone should have a chance to enjoy producing art too, and offers classes for people of all ages and abilities, one of which is CNIB’s Hands of Fire clay sculpting program.

“The idea of the blind working with sculpture it just, it seemed like it would fit,” Brown said.

He started the weekly class on year ago. The class runs every Saturday, offering a fun, creative and and welcoming environment for everyone involved.

“One of the things that our clients talk about when they experience vision loss is social isolation, and so bringing this group together helps elevate some of that social isolation,” Service and Operations Manager Suzanne Vanderbroek said.  ”

But how does it all work?  Brown said that with his talented and dedicated students, it’s been quite simple.

“A technique that I’m using a lot is I’ll let them following my fingers or put their hand on mine,” Brown said.  “As I’m shaping something, they can follow the way my hand moves.  I’ll show them once with these techniques and they pick up on it immediately and that to me is just incredible.”

Ian White, a participant of the program, never thought he would be able to create art after losing his vision at 40-years-old.  Now, he’s at the top of the class.

It’s students like White that continue to impress Brown every week.

“Every Saturday I’m surprised,” Brown said. “My expectations were passed long ago.”

If you or someone you know would like more information on the Hands of Fire program, visit CNIB’s website.