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Sunday, May 31, 2009

WHAT AN INSPIRATION



To see more Sunday Favorites, please visit Chari's beautiful blog, HAPPY TO DESIGN.

My "Sunday Favorite" today was originally posted on January 2, 2009.






I received this in an email, so I assume I'm not violating any copyright laws. Maybe you've already seen the work of Paul Smith, but I had not. When I received the email, I thought it probably wasn't factual. Then, my good friend, Glenda found this website , and I was able to verify the validity of this email. Glenda suggested that I do a post about this amazing man. Great idea Glenda! I do want to share the story of this remarkable and inspiring man.


Paul Smith was born in Philadelphia on September 21, 1921. Although severe cerebral palsy kept him out of school, it didn't prevent him from having a remarkable life.





Never having a chance as a child to receive a formal education, Paul taught himself to become a master artist as well as a terrific chess player.
According to the website, with much humility and a charming, self-depreciating sense of humor, he became a man who excelled at making the lives of those around him much richer.

Can you read the signature on these pictures? Amazingly, it reads "Typed by Paul Smith".




When typing, Paul used his left hand to steady his right one. Since he couldn't press two keys at the same time, he almost always locked the shift key down and made his pictures using the symbols at the top of the number keys.

In other words, his pictures were based on these characters ...
@ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _


Yes, you read that right. These pictures were created on a typewriter, using the symbol keys! Across seven decades, Paul created hundreds of pictures. Just look at the details--and to think he didn't have full use of his hands/fingers!





He often gave the originals away. Sometimes, but not always, he kept or received a copy for his own records.
If you want to see details of his images, you can visit the gallery at his
site .




As his mastery of the typewriter grew, he developed techniques to create shadings, colors, and textures that made his work resemble pencil or charcoal drawings. On the website, you can see the development of his pictures from the beginning through the end. This picture of a brick house is one of his earlier works.


Paul died on June 25, 2007. He remains an inspiration. If he was able to accomplish this, how can I possibly say that I can't accomplish anything (even though these days, I tend to run all over the place, not even able to remember what I was trying to accomplish!)?


Be sure to go to HAPPY TO DESIGN to get the links for all of the other Sunday Favorites. Thanks so much for stopping by to see my Sunday Favorite today. laurie

29 comments:

Dixie said...

Laurie... I remember your original publishing of this post... I enjoyed it today as much as I enjoyed it the first time around...

I'm so happy that Chari hosts this Meme... I think it's my favorite of the week...

warms thoughts on Sunday morning.. Dixie

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a story. That blessed, humbled, grounded, and affirmed - TY so very much for reposting it. Just wonderful, amazing stuff!

Happy 2nd time around Sunday!

xJ
MaidenShade.wordpress.com

Debby@Just Breathe said...

My eyes can't believe what I am seeing. Absolutely beautiful.
Thank you for bringing this back so I could enjoy it.

Unknown said...

Laurie, I was talking on the phone glancing thru this post. I thought yes this person is a pretty good artist, way better than my self, but then I actually READ the post and wow it is amazing what a person can do if they put their mind to it! Thanks for sharing or I guess resharing! I love the new look of your blog!
Sue

KBeau said...

Thanks for sharing this, Laurie. BTW, I really like your new header.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

What a fabulous story and the pictures are totally unbelievable. So pretty and with such fabulous detail. That is real artistry. I loved the story. Thanks for sharing. It truly is an inspiration. Hugs, Marty

Keetha Broyles said...

Not only could I NOT do this, I can't even figure out how he did!!! Amazing.

xashee's corner said...

oh this man is truly AMAZING! i am not sure how i found him, wasn't an email, must have been a blog but i posted about him too awhile back too! it is soooooooo inspiring to see what others, that are less fortunate, can actually accomplish! :) Thanks so much for keeping him fresh in our memories! Have an AWESOME day! :)

Four Paws and Co said...

Yipppeeee! Laurie you won Rhondi's giveaway! I'm so excited for you!!!

This is and was a beautiful post. The pictures are so amazing!

☺♥☺ Diane

Kathy said...

His work is so beautiful Laurie, thank you so much for sharing this again as I have not heard of Paul Smith before, I am off to find out more and see more of his incredible work, happy Sunday, Kathy.

xinex said...

I am glad you reposted this, Laurie. It truly is a very inspiring story...Christine

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Laurie,
This is one of the first one of your's I read and I was so impressed! I love that you posted it again, how inspirational! Cindy

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

Wow! That is amazing. So glad that you shared this with us again.

Anonymous said...

This is the first time that I have seen this and what a wonderful inspiration it is. I Googled it to read a little more about this amazing man. Thanks so much for sharing it with those of us who did not know the story.

Chandy said...

What a great repost Laurie! I've never seen this and I loved each of his masterpieces.

Thanks for sharing it today!

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

Laurie,
I am so glad that you re-posted this!!! I missed it the first time and I love it!!! Thanks for sharing a little piece of this amazing man!!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!!
XOXO
Cathy

Kathleen said...

That is amazing. I have never seen that story.. Very inspiring...
Have a great week, Laurie..

Linda in AZ * said...

* To "just" say he was "INCREDIBLY INSPIRATIONAL" is akin to stating that running the Boston Marathon (AND, with the addition of a 40 lb. rucksak to boot!), is a "breeze", annnnnd could be accomplished in under 3 hrs....

My heart is so deeply touched. How I would have LOVED to have met someone like this. (Come to think of it, I think I just "did"! And I'm honored!)~

THANK YOU, Laurie!
Love,Linda *

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

WOW.....


Just blog hopping today and enjoyed reading your blog...

I am posting on our Disney trip so hope you will stop by. Also, the June giveaway starts today...all comments left in June will be in the drawing for the "June Card Box"! You will have to go down a few posts to read about the monthly giveaway.

Happy Sunday!

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Laurie...Yes, I remember this inspirational post! Amazing! I love your new header, Ma'am! You are just becoming a real graphic "artiste"! Cute! Have a great week...hugs...Debbie

The Muse said...

Hi ms Laurie...goodness, your banner is nice. It makes the welcome mood so genuine of spirit here at your blog.

What an interesting post too! I have seen and read a bit about this man...blessings come to all of us, don't they :)

Lorna ~ Lace and Ivy Cottage said...

Hi Laurie,
I'm dedicating a few minutes of my Sunday evening to visiting some of my favorite blogs. I just love your last few posts, from the amazing artwork, to the remarkable tea room (I'm so jealous!), to the "ode to toile". I loved them all! BTW, I think you give Mr. Faudree some stiff competition. Don't underestimate your decorating skills done on a budget, my friend. Your room looks like a million bucks!

Anonymous said...

Evening, Laurie! I remember this post because that little cocker spaniel reminded me of my little Stinkie I had as a child!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Connie said...

Hi Laurie,
This is just amazing. Isn't it said that if you have a disability, another part of your system takes over A example would be a blind person has an acute sense of hearing. That said, he had a ton of courage, determination, talent, and the ability to be able to envision what he wanted to accomplish ? The average person might not be able to even see that house in his mind, but God gave him another gift to compensate. I'm just guessing.....
I admire him so much, and his outstanding work.

Anonymous said...

What an amazing and inspiring man. Those sure don't look like it's being typed at all!

I guess this teaches us a lesson - we always lose hope at times and grumble even on little things. But look at him. There really is a possibility if you really want it.

Thanks for re-posting this one

Li

Heidi Pocketbook said...

Laurie, I just got an email with some of his pictures in it this past week and was amazed as his skills.

Love your new blog header☺

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello Girlfriend...

I'm so glad that you joined in with the fun of Sunday Favorites this week!!! This is a great post to reshare...so inspirational!!!

I remember seeing this the first time that you posted it! Paul Smith was such a talented man, wasn't he? Although I just adore his art, I must confess that it was his vision and determination to push past the handicap that really inspires me!!! What a sweet story...thank you for sharing it with all of us again, Sweetie!!! I loved the cocker spaniel...so amazing!!!

Have a great week, Girlfriend!
Love ya,
Chari

Karen at Nittany Inspirations said...

This is an amazing post. I didn't see it the first time and I almost missed it again. I'm glad I read on. Thank you so much for sharing. I will bookmark and share it with my nonblogging family. Hugs.

SmilingSally said...

Joni Earekson Tada has written a book and she does this too as she's a quadraplegic. (sp?)