We are happy to announce that the Visual Snow Initiative is collaborating with DEADRKGK to raise funds for Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) research.
Meet our #Warrioroftheweek, DEADRKGK
Hello, this is DEADRKGK! My main joy in life is to create digital art and sell it to others on physical merchandise, even if I have multiple disabilities and health conditions, such as Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS).
VSS Affects my art in a few ways, but I’ve never let my generally poor vision deter me from creating. I’ve learned throughout my life that instead of fighting against my conditions, that I should work with them– treating it as if it were a self-imposed artistic challenge has helped me a lot, and it’s made me a better artist. It enforces creativity! Ten years ago I used primarily pastel colors, but VSS progression has made darker, vibrant colors more easily visible to me. My art is an extension of self; it grows and changes with me. I very much hope that increased awareness for visual snow and hearing my story encourages others to keep doing what they’re passionate about. Passion is the foundation of creativity, and creativity is the indomitable spirit of humanity. Please never stop doing what you love!
I’ve had Visual Snow Syndrome since birth, not ever knowing that the way I see permanently wasn’t considered normal. I didn’t have a distinct way of describing how I see until talking to my friend, who said permanently staticky and blurred vision wasn’t something most people see. I also didn’t know that palinopsia, photopsia, or the inability to see in dimmed light weren’t considered normal. It was there I found the Visual Snow Initiative, got informed, and actually felt seen for once when my vision issues were previously blamed on being nearsighted. I’ve since been diagnosed formally and sought out to help the VSI so other people in situations like mine can be informed and reach out to others with the same condition.
Besides art, one of my passions is being a disability advocate, helping those who need it wherever I can. I spend a lot of time making disability accessible versions of large-scale collaborative art projects so that others like me with visual disabilities can enjoy it just as much as those without them!
I’m honored to have the Visual Snow Initiative host me! Thank you all so much for your kindness!
Purchase
The limited edition sticker, titled “Prismatic World,” symbolizes the world those with VSS aspire to see. Measuring 2.5 x 2.5 inches, the sticker boasts a stunning anime-styled eye with a teardrop design, perfectly printed on holographic vinyl, ensuring its durability with UV, scratch, and water-resistant properties. These stickers are ideal for adorning water bottles, cars, electronics, and other frequently-used items.
Grab yours today and be a part of advancing VSS research. Your support makes a difference!
