“This was surely
to be the biggest adventure I would ever embark upon.”
That’s how Seattle
artist Brom Wikstrom remembers feeling when, at age 21, he lost
use of his arms and legs. In the thirty years since that accident,
he has found ways for his art to continue poring out, transforming
both his life and that of others in the process.
Born in Seattle, Brom
Wikstrom recalls his youth with enthusiasm. During his high school
years he painted for the school yearbook and worked as an apprentice
in his father’s commercial art
business. He enjoyed studying art in a Seattle college, and proudly
graduated with an art degree.
In 1975 Wikstrom and
a friend went to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. One afternoon, they
decided to go swimming in the Mississippi River. Wikstrom dove
right in with his usual 21-year-old zest. Unfortunately, the water
was only five inches deep. “I sustained an injury to
my spinal cord … and became paralyzed from the shoulders down,” relates
Wikstrom.
After seven long weeks
in intensive care, Wikstrom began rehabilitation. Using a hand
splint, he learned to feed himself. However, “the
attempts to draw with my hand splint were utterly worthless.” Since
his neck and shoulders were fully functional, he tried painting with
the brush in his mouth. His first mouth painting attempts were discouraging,
yet he persevered. “I came to increasingly feel that my life
was not over but had taken a drastic turn and that art would help
me to make the most of it.”
After a year in rehab
Wikstrom moved home with his parents; they set up his bedroom and
studio on the first floor. He spent most days painting. Soon another
artist invited Wikstrom to teach art at the Seattle Children’s
Hospital, and he quickly accepted. Wikstrom enjoyed getting out of
the house and lifting the children’s spirits.
Wikstrom’s hospital work hooked him up with other artists and
organizations. “In 1980, I first heard about and applied for
membership to the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists,” recalls
Wikstrom. The AMFPA is an organization for artists who aren’t
able to paint with their hands due to a disability. Their slogan is “no
pity please;” it is not a charity. The artists earn their membership
by demonstrating their talent. Wikstrom was not accepted right away,
but he didn’t give up. He sought advice from a few AMFPA member
artists who lived near him.
In 1985 the AMFPA invited
Wikstrom to join as a student member, whereby he was granted a
scholarship. In 1992 Wikstrom was accepted as a full member; the
association is owned by about 100 full members, who receive a full
salary for life. Even if the artist becomes unable to paint, their
salary is guaranteed. “Through this magnificent association
I have found a freedom from worry and [have established] friendships
globally,” says Wikstrom.
Wikstrom’s work
has been shown around the world, including the United Kingdom,
Belgium, Australia, and Canada. He won first prize for a watercolor
painting in 2003 at the Sister Kenny International Art Show in
Minneapolis.
In the words of Brom
Wikstrom: “I encourage you to do the
best with your life and remember to never give up on your dreams.”
If you are interested
in becoming an MFPA artist, placing an order, or just looking for
more information, visit AMFPA, www.amfpa.com;
North American Branch, www.mfpausa.com;
Wikstrom’s Web
site, www.bromwikstrom.com ![]()
