Kansas City Artist Crystal Major Transforms Blindness into Vibrant Expression Through Painting

Kansas City’s Own Crystal Major: Turning Adversity into Art

Kansas City is home to so much talent, but few stories shine as brightly as that of Crystal Major. Born with diabetes, her journey took an unexpected turn in 2009 when she began losing her vision. By 2014, she had lost her sight completely. Surprisingly, this life-changing event led her to a world of visual arts, where she found her passion as a painter.

A Life-Altering Diagnosis

Crystal was born in Kansas City, Kansas, and her struggles with diabetes began when she was just a baby. Despite this, her early years were filled with joy and athleticism. Engaging in sports like volleyball, basketball, and track kept her active and helped manage her diabetes. “I didn’t have much trouble with my diabetes because I was active,” she shared. However, things changed drastically in her late twenties.

“In 2009, I was at work, and suddenly, I had the worst headache of my life,” Crystal recounted. After a frantic trip to the hospital, she learned she was losing sight in her left eye. The news left her stunned. Despite trying everything to save her vision, the outcome turned out bleak, and by 2014, she faced complete blindness.

A Newfound Passion

Initially, Crystal struggled to accept her new reality. “It took me about six to eight months to really understand that I wouldn’t see again,” she recalled. However, her resilience shone through. In August of the following year, she picked up a paintbrush for the first time. “I was just trying it out, playing around with acrylic paint,” she said, “but people kept telling me it was good!”

Understanding that painting could provide an outlet for her emotions, she dived deeper into the world of colors and textures. She discovered a technique that incorporated her sense of touch to identify different shades and patterns. “I add various materials to the paint so I can feel the textures on the canvas,” Crystal explained, showing that her creativity knows no bounds despite her circumstances.

Making a Mark on the Art World

Her work gained traction, and before she knew it, she was featured in one of Kansas City’s most celebrated art galleries, the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center, in an exhibition titled “We Are Enough”, curated by Harold Smith. “I was speechless,” she exclaimed, “I wanted to hug and kiss everyone in the room!” This opportunity highlighted not only her talent but also her determination to turn adversity into art.

Community Impact

Crystal believes her art sends a vital message: no matter the struggles one faces, it’s important to rise above and support one another. “I make paintings that reflect the challenges people have gone through and continue to face,” she shared. Her journey empowers others to redefine their challenges as opportunities, reinforcing the importance of resilience in our community.

The Road Ahead

Looking towards the future, Crystal is excited about the possibilities ahead, including the prospect of her own solo exhibition. “I never dreamed I’d be doing this, but I am eager to see what comes next,” she said with a hint of excitement in her voice.

Wise Words for Aspiring Artists

For anyone dreaming of following a similar path, Crystal has some heartfelt advice: “Just keep going and don’t stop. Find support. Share your story because you never know who it will inspire!”

Her ongoing journey reminds us that we all have the power to chase our dreams, no matter the odds. In a world where challenges abound, Crystal Major is a vibrant beacon of hope and creativity, proving that the human spirit can truly turn even the darkest moments into something beautiful.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories about remarkable individuals making a difference in Kansas City and beyond.