Colouring outside the lines: This artist with cerebral palsy defies convention – East Coast Radio

Tjili Grant Wetherill had almost every imaginable odd stacked against her. Born prematurely, she was the only survivor of triplets abandoned at a hospital in Cambodia. The infant spent weeks in intensive care. Doctors discovered that she was profoundly deaf and diagnosed her with cerebral palsy. Her prognosis was poor they predicted she might never be able to stand, walk, or feed herself. So how did she grow up to become an internationally celebrated artist?

Adopted as a baby by British couple James and Vik Grant Wetherill, Tjilis new parents showered her with care and ensured she received the best treatment. While she underwent occupational and physiotherapy, she regained her movement through sheer determination. Tjili taught herself to walk, and today shes able to swim and ride horses. Though she cant speak, the 19-year-old expresses herself as an artist. Gripping pens and paintbrushes in her palm, she unleashes her imagination. Her sketches and paintings of wildlife, characters, and landscapes are in high demand for their whimsical lines and ethereal shades.

Tjilis work has been selected for exhibition by the Royal Watercolour Society and even features on Tanzanias national stamps. Sold on her website,TJILI, her art has fetched thousands of pounds which the family has used to support charitable causes. Shes tremendous, James says. Were very proud of everything shes achieved. For this artist, each piece is a symbol of overcoming.

See the original post:
Colouring outside the lines: This artist with cerebral palsy defies convention - East Coast Radio