WATCH: ALS-stricken artist creates amazing artwork using just his eyes
"Adapt, survive, prevail".
This was US comic book artist Francis Tsai's slogan after he was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) - a degenerative disease that leads to full paralysis - in 2010.
It left both his hands and feet weakened to the point of immobility.
But it did not stop him from drawing.
The artist, who studied architecture at the University of Texas, now uses his eyes to create artwork.
"Shatter" by Francis Tsai. PHOTO: Instagram
"Drawing is such a big part of who I am," said Francis.
"There are so many digital tools available today that I knew there had to be a way to create artwork, even in my situation."
The setup involves the use of a Tobii eye-tracking camera and an enhanced tablet PC.
To begin a new piece, Mr Tsai launches SketchUp to create shapes and lines that are detected by the eye-gaze mouse emulation software.
He then uses Photoshop to add the final touches to his masterpiece.
Wolverine drawn by Francis Tsai. PHOTO: Instagram
"It took a little getting used to, but within a couple of weeks, I was beginning to draw. It's an exercise of patience as each shape and line has to be formed bit by bit," said Mr Tsai.
In a bid to raise money for his medical care and research, Mr Tsai's sister, Marice Parchen, had set up an online store selling merchandise and eye-gaze artwork.
"As word spread about the art, we saw people from all over the world visiting the store, sending support and expressing their appreciation," she said.
"There's so much mutual respect out there, and artists have rallied to drive traffic to the store to help us out."
Old school Ironman Mark 1.5 drawn by Francis Tsai. PHOTO: Instagram
Mr Tsai remains grateful for the technology that has enabled him to continue expressing himself artistically.
"All I have ever wanted to do is draw and the universe has come up with a surprising number of ways to try to keep me from doing that. I find that the older I get, the less willing I am to put up with obstacles that keep me from doing what I love," he said.
"Fortunately, in addition to the technology that keeps me alive, I have access to technology that enables me to put together line, shape, colour and value to create images.
"That's what I do – I'm an artist. Always have been, always will be."
Source: Creative Bloq
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