Pottery is an art form that challenges its artisans to craft their masterpieces from nothing more than soggy lumps of clay. The rewards for those who skillfully meet this challenge are magnificent, for these people have the power to transform mud into objects of utility and aesthetic appeal. For Kerry Wilson, who is visually impaired, the challenges are greater, and the rewards more gratifying.
Kerry's life was changed forever when she discovered in 1997 that she suffered from Pseudoxanthoma elasticum, or PXE. PXE is a rare hereditary disorder with an estimated incidence of one in 50,000 people. Researchers believe that individuals who have had PXE for more than ten years develop angioid streaks that are associated with calcification of elastin rich tissue in the eyes. People affected by PXE rarely become totally blind, however, they may be left legally blind by the loss of their central vision. PXE left Kerry with only her peripheral vision and the ability to make out large shapes. Kerry has five children, all of whom have vision problems, but have not yet been diagnosed as having PXE. The loss of her sight left Kerry virtually incapacitated as she struggled to adjust to life in a world she could no longer see. Unable to carry out many of the daily activities that she had once taken for granted, her feelings of helplessness quickly eroded her self-worth.
Kerry was introduced to the art of pottery by a friend and quickly became infatuated with it. She attended classes to hone her pottery skills, and immediately discovered that what she lacked in sight, she made up for in creative vision. At last, she had found something to fill the empty hours of the day, and her newly found talent made her self-esteem soar.
What started off as a hobby to keep her occupied, slowly evolved into a profitable business as people started taking interest in her curious pottery and hand made figurines. She became known in the community as the "Blind Potter" as word of her talent spread. Later, Kerry found herself traveling to art shows and festivals all over the country showing off and selling her unique wares. She also became an active member of the community again, holding pottery demonstrations for schools and children's groups and donating her time and skills to charity organizations. "The Lord has blessed me," says Kerry, "and any way I can help others is worth it."
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