I grew up as the only daughter of two lawyers. Our home was filled with art from all over the world, yet creativity was a trait my brothers and I were discouraged from expressing. My brothers became lawyers and I became a computer programmer.
Looking back, I see I always found ways to express myself creatively. I dabbled with mime for a while, interpreted a few theater events in ASL (a definite challenge for someone with hearing loss!) and, always, writing and editing. I wrote a play and a novel (both of which will most likely never see the light of day!) I keep a personal blog and write every chance I get. Writing allows me to express myself when I can't any other way.
Some people with hearing loss insist with vehemence that our hearing losses do not define us. Yet, for me with a life-long hearing loss, my hearing loss did and does define me. I avoid places where I know there will be a lot of noise. I look for the best places to sit and stand so I can hear. I tell others how they can help me to hear and understand them better. But in just as many ways, my hearing loss does not define me, though it does influence who I am.
In my late 50's I returned to school, taking a drawing class, just for fun. I was a writer, not an artist. I couldn't draw. I knew that. I surprised myself by not only liking the class but also wanting more. I discovered I'm an artist! With and without my hearing loss, I love words, and line, and color. My art reflects my life and interests. Some of it relates to a life with hearing loss and some of it doesn't (I think.)
Looking back, I see I always found ways to express myself creatively. I dabbled with mime for a while, interpreted a few theater events in ASL (a definite challenge for someone with hearing loss!) and, always, writing and editing. I wrote a play and a novel (both of which will most likely never see the light of day!) I keep a personal blog and write every chance I get. Writing allows me to express myself when I can't any other way.
Some people with hearing loss insist with vehemence that our hearing losses do not define us. Yet, for me with a life-long hearing loss, my hearing loss did and does define me. I avoid places where I know there will be a lot of noise. I look for the best places to sit and stand so I can hear. I tell others how they can help me to hear and understand them better. But in just as many ways, my hearing loss does not define me, though it does influence who I am.
In my late 50's I returned to school, taking a drawing class, just for fun. I was a writer, not an artist. I couldn't draw. I knew that. I surprised myself by not only liking the class but also wanting more. I discovered I'm an artist! With and without my hearing loss, I love words, and line, and color. My art reflects my life and interests. Some of it relates to a life with hearing loss and some of it doesn't (I think.)