FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — Nearly eight years ago, local Fort Wayne artist, Adeline Graf, received the gift of a lifetime.
Graf was diagnosed with Ehler-Danlos syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects connective tissues, around the age of 7. The disease has since progressed by taking her vision and confining her to a wheelchair.
Despite this, she was given a pair of glasses that allowed her to see. A brand called E-sight, created glasses that work to maximize the field of vision that remains, to magnify it.
As technology has changed, she received an updated pair of glasses that are lighter, have a wider field for her peripheral vision, and have a better battery life.
While moving to Tennessee for medical reasons, she is continually chasing her dreams of art through all of the hardships and feels that art has been an outlet for her.
“I think there’s something really powerful when you’re able to create something even if you’re trapped, in my case, in my body and my circumstances”, she said. “You can still create something outside of it”.
One of her main inspirations has been world-renowned photographer and artist, Kirsty Mitchell. When Graf first had her vision renewed by the glasses, Mitchell’s artwork was the first piece she got to see, and she connected with it immediately.
She has had a special place in her heart ever since.
Mitchell became aware of her story after Graf’s mother, Tricia, reached out to her. She saw her story and sent Graf a signed copy of her best-selling book, “Wonderland”.
“It was magical,” Graf said. “It was like meeting a hero. It’s like finding out Picasso knows you exist and has seen your art and thought it was good, like that was insane.”
Graf continues to create art and says she hopes to inspire others with her art, as she has been inspired by those around her.
