He didn't let his handicap stop him short of creating incredible art. Instead of being offended by others who stared at him, or feeling criticized, Kevin Connolly, who was born without legs, used it to his advantage; he turned them into his subjects.
When people look at him, he looks right back... through his camera lens.
"I was born without legs," Connolly said. "This is all I've known, and to me, it's not really a big deal. I think it was called a 'sporadic birth defect,' which is basically the doctors saying they don't know what happened."
For most of his life, he felt adults judged, criticized or pitied him. Children, on the other hand, did not give him that impression. They were the ones that inspired Kevin, now 22, in his artistic vision.
"He often travels by balancing his torso on a skateboard, and moving expertly through the streets of the cities he visits," ABC news wrote. "From the skateboard, he has taken more than 32,000 photos of the stares he attracts."
The Montana University student is studying film and photography. His online portfolio at the Rolling Exhibition.
See ABC's video here.
Legless Photography
Kevin Connolly Turns Stares Into Art
Trend Themes
1. Disability Art - Disability art trend promotes inclusivity and diversity in the art world by showcasing unique perspectives.
2. Accessible Photography - Accessible photography trend creates equal opportunities for artists with disabilities and challenges the traditional notions of photography.
3. Inclusive Representation - Inclusive representation trend is gaining traction in the creative industry, providing opportunities for marginalized artists.
Industry Implications
1. Art - The art industry has the potential to embrace and celebrate diversity through accessible platforms and inclusive representation.
2. Photography - The photography industry can capitalize on accessible photography and incorporate it into standard practices for a more diverse and inclusive landscape.
3. Film - The film industry has a unique opportunity to promote disability art and showcase unique perspectives that challenge the status quo.