Posted by My name is David Oliver Wudel. I am an artist and the creator of 6 Wheel Painting Co.
I started 6 Wheel Painting Co. just over a year ago. It came out of necessity due to the pandemic. As time went on, that necessity quickly evolved into a passion.
When the pandemic first hit, I was dealing with depression and needed a way to empower myself. I was encouraged by various people to use the extra free time to take my art career to the next level.
I’ve always had a creative spirit, but I’ve never had the room to explore all aspects of the creative process. This was due to my lack of confidence in who I was and how I fit into the art community. I now realize that I identify as a Queer Man who happens to have Cerebral Palsy.
With my Cerebral Palsy, as with most of my story, I was able to take something that is traditionally viewed as negative and apply it to my art practice. I am able to use my high startle reflex, which is a by-product of Cerebral Palsy, to create experimental methods with vibrant colours.
When I came out as a Queer Man I was able to embrace my creative side and allow myself to be vulnerable, something I struggled with prior to my isolation. After I came out, I realized that my family and friends were supportive of my identity and just wanted me to feel supported and loved.
I started to identify as a Queer Man first, an artist second, and a coincidental disabled artist third. I value all of my identities.
This has been a difficult but worthwhile journey.
