Paraplegic takes part in international art competition – vote now

Expressions of Paralysis provides a remarkable display of the talent, passion and creativity that exists within communities.

Hilda Hecker (31), of Boksburg, recently completed a sketched which she thought would suit the competition, so she decided to take a chance and entered.

Describing what her artwork represents, Hecker says: “It is my experience of the ephemeral and intangible nature of hope – that when you try to hold on too tightly to something you end up crushing it.”

She has been a paraplegic for 11 years, but has been sketching for almost 20. She encourages people to vote for her artwork — but only if they like it.

“I only want recognition if people like my artwork. Art is, after all, something that must relate or connect to the creator of the work and also the beholder,” she says, adding that her emotions determine what she will be sketching.

A number of paralysed artists from across the world entered their specific artwork, but the Reeve Foundation staff narrowed the choices.

The winner’s work will be showcased on the walls of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation office, in Short Hills, New Jersey.

To view the entries and vote for your favourite one, click on the following link: https://bit.ly/1ivmOo4.

Voting ends on Sunday, June 29, at midnight.

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy.

Actor Christopher Reeve played Superman in the movie and its sequels. After a spinal cord injury in an equestrian competition in 1995, he was declared paralyzed. He then started a foundation to help other paraplegics.

As a founding board member of the Christopher Reeve Foundation, Dana Reeve succeeded her late husband, Christopher Reeve, as Chair of the Board of Directors in 2004. – @IschkeBoksburg