Rocky Ayi loves everything about space, a passion that is often reflected in his work. In 2016, while on vacation in Nevada, he was involved in a head-on auto collision. He sustained a traumatic brain injury, and he chose Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for rehabilitation. In therapy, he learned to walk and speak again, but he also realized that he had lost grip strength in his dominant right hand. Though he had never tried painting before, he has discovered that creating art is relaxing and helps him cope with how much his life has changed. In addition to what he’s accomplished in art therapy, he has also learned many artistic skills from his brother-in-law, who is also an artist. Rocky enjoys coming up with different ideas, and hopes the viewer can feel a part of his soul when viewing his art. He enjoys painting with acrylic and oil, and is inspired by what he feels and what goes on in his life.
Kwasi Amankwah came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in 2012 after having a stroke. Brainstem bleeding led to a loss of function on the right side of his body. After extensive rehabilitation, he regained his lost abilities and was able to walk out of the hospital without using a cane. Art has always been a part of Kwasi’s life, and he uses it as an escape that allows him to center himself. He has always been a visual person and likes to find inspiration in all he sees. This inclination leads him to blend styles, thus creating something with each piece that is uniquely his own. For this exhibit, Kwasi wanted to diverge from digital painting and return to his artistic beginnings — painting on canvas. When he is not making art, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two boys. He also enjoys playing hockey and basketball. Today, he lives by the motto, “Never give up.”
NASA 16”x20”
WE’RE HERE 30”x24”
TRI-VISION 36”x40”
HOLLYWOOD 30”x24”
Lost & Found 30”x10”
Miss You 30”x10”
ALIEN 20”x16”
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN 36”x24”
THE ARRIVAL 20”x16”
THE FIFTH 20”x24”
Future 24”x18”
HOTEL CALIFORNIA 16”x20”
ROVER 20”x16”
Happy 10”x10”
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