Hello, welcome to February. I hope this finds you well. 

This month I'd like to introduce you to Bob Young. Bob is a visually impaired artist from Dublin, Ireland. Since the inception of the Glaucoma Research Foundation art show and silent auction 3 years ago, Bob has been a constant contributor. He wholeheartedly jumps in and works to create something that feels authentic to him. This year, he has donated a portrait of James Gandolfini. A big fan of the Sopranos, Bob created this likeness in pencil and ink. Bob has become an advocate for visually impaired artists, and he bravely puts himself and his artwork out for the world to see. Over the past three years, I have watched his work grow from being a self proclaimed doodle artist to being an authentic portrait artist. With what he has had to overcome with nystagmus at a very young age, Bob has become a champion to so many facing vision loss. I am grateful to have gotten to know him.

You can follow Bob on Instagram here:

https://www.Instagram.com/bobartinsta

Here is Bob's story and his own words below. 

Hiya what's the Story? Bob Young here. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity and for checking out my art. 

Ok where do I begin? It was always my dream as a boy to be an artist. I was diagnosed at 12 years old with Nystagmus "dancing eyes". A very difficult time to be told you're visually impaired becoming a teenager. 

My experience in school and colleges wasn't very positive. The Irish education system was not very inclusive to someone with Nystagmus. I escaped in my art. Art got me through some dark times. 

I am a self-taught artist, expressing myself though art is very important. I love to doodle create cartoons. I have a passion for drawing and painting portraits. I love to capture the inner character.

A good few year's back I got involved with the Facebook page "Visually Impaired Artists Worldwide" a group on Facebook. It changed my life, I wasn't so alone anymore. These artists have really inspired me all these years. 

The past two years I have been taking part in the "Peoples Art Show Stephens Green" this has been a great experience showcasing my art to the people of Dublin. My latest art show took place in Juno, a bar, restaurant and event space on Dorset St. in Dublin. I was showing my many styles in art. It was bringing awareness to this art form we love VISUALLY IMPAIRED ART. 

Thank you so much best of luck.

Bob