Saturday, January 5, 2008

Kevin Connolly captures curious stares and glares in the form of art

Imagine what it's like to be born without legs. I know I personally can't even begin to imagine what that's like. How do you adapt to everyday life? Do you sit around and feel bad for yourself? Or, do you feel fortunate knowing that you get to see life from a unique perspective from the rest of us?

Each day, living without legs is a reality for Kevin Connolly, a handsome 22-year-old who lives in Montana. He's never known any different, however, he wouldn't have it any other way.

As a student at University of Montana, he has been blessed to do many things people with legs do not even attempt -- climb mountains and win the skiing competition in the X-Games with a specially created rig. Through his winnings from the X-Games, he has even been able to study abroad and go to 15 different countries. Throughout his travels, he has documented the stares and glares he received and posted them to his website, http://www.therollingexhibition.com/ (go and make sure to read the Artist Statement).

One of the most interesting parts of his travels is how he has been received by people of different nationalities and backgrounds... For example, in Romania, they assumed he was a gypsy. In the Ukraine, they thought he was a beggar and would stuff money in his pockets. He also has been assumed to be a carnival attraction and on our own U.S. turf -- one lady even asked if he was an Iraq War veteran.

I encourage you all to read the full story of Kevin here. Also, watch for the re-airing of his story, which debuted on ABC's 20/20 last night.



Kevin is living proof that you must learn to handle the cards your dealt. The only thing is, he capitalizes on it. He is a true hero. Thanks for sharing your story with the world, Kevin.

Photo to the left: an example of Kevin's work.
A woman in LA stares down at Kevin. As he "rolls" by, he captures her curiosity on his camera.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ha Ha I've been to 17 countries!

Anonymous said...

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