Artist Frank Feitsma doesn’t let Multiple Sclerosis stop him from developing a new talent. Flanked by helpers Jasmine Tuttle (left) and his wife Gail, he creates another abstract painting for two upcoming shows. / VALERIE ZEHL/Staff Photo
It wasn’t until Frank Feitsma of Binghamton could barely move that he discovered a latent talent and a new way of interacting with his beloved.
Before Multiple Sclerosis took him down completely — into a wheelchair and strapping him with ever-worsening limitations — he hadn’t thought much about art.
Favorite painter? Never had one.
Favorite style? Ditto.
But he did love doing things with his wife, Gail, and they found a way to have fun at a local center for those with disabilities.
His mouth can barely utter words, but it can hold a plastic bottle of bright paint. His lips and teeth compress it, shooting paint onto the canvas — and, occasionally, onto helper Jasmine
Tuttle, Gail and their immediate surroundings at the Magic Paintbrush Project in Oakdale Mall.
“We’ll have to wash that wall again,” Gail said.
In the last stage of the process, a sheet of dropcloth is laid over the wet art piece, and with the ladies’ help, his hands glide over the covered canvas, creating the final image.
“Frankie Picasso, we call him,” said Jasmine, a stay-at-home mom who volunteers at MPP.
He has created about 100 pieces. The biggest one he “signed” by rolling his wheelchair over it, then it was cut into five-by-seven-inch pieces to be enjoyed by many.