Interview
Connor Fogal
Connor Fogal was born in 1993. When he was taken home to his family as a baby, Connor’s parents were told he would never function normally, and his life would revolve around acute full-time care, as he had Cerebral Palsy. CAT scans showed that a major portion of Connor’s brain was missing. Six months after, a second scan was taken and the results were miraculous - Connor’s brain was completely whole.
In the years following, Connor became an avid skier, using a modified device that would allow him to not just ski, but to show off a little. Photos exist that show him in full flight over jumps on snowy mountainsides. But it’s not just his ability to adapt and excel that makes this young man unique. Everything Connor has, he has worked for. Connor’s parents have taught him the valuable lesson of achieving through perseverance and effort.
Connor has taken on the craft of painting, primarily landscapes and the occasional portrait of the legend Bob Marley. Connor has created an organization – MyLOW (My Life On Wheels) – that creates funding for disabled children, teenagers, and adults to attend ski schools in the region. This is solely funded by the income generated by sales of his artwork. Connor also looks forward to the day when he can reach out to the masses and talk to hundreds of people at assemblies and school gatherings.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I started painting 19 years ago when I saw one of my 6th-grade teacher’s paintings. I told him I want to paint just like he did. So for the first few months, he had me do nothing but mix colors.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My work is often a reflection of my emotions, and you can tell whether it’s a good day or bad day based on what you see.”
Which current art world trends are you following?
“I love artists who paint the ocean, waves, and seascapes.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“A bit of both. I take pictures and I paint them, but the best thing about being an artist is that there’s not really a plan to go by.”
What process, materials, techniques, etc., do you use to create your artwork?
“I paint with my head so I use tape, acrylics, and oils.”
“Art is uplifting for me because of my disability. When I paint, it makes me feel free, and I just forget that I’m disabled.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“I have so many favorite artworks that it’s nearly impossible to choose!”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“In January 2020, I had a solo exhibit called ‘Outside’.”
