John Bramblitt

2007, B.A.A.S.
New York Times article
North Texan article
Website: John Bramblitt

About

John Bramblitt, a renowned artist from Denton, Texas, has achieved international acclaim with his work sold in over 120 countries. His art has been featured in various media outlets, including CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, ABC, NBC, FOX, Discovery Channel, and BBC Radio and TV. His creations have graced the pages of The New York Times and Psychology Today, and he has designed artwork for numerous magazine covers and major film productions. Bramblitt's inspiring journey has been captured in the award-winning documentary shorts "Line of Sight" and “Bramblitt.” His contributions have earned him significant recognition, including YouTube's ‘Most Inspirational Video of 2008’ and three Presidential Service Awards for his innovative art workshops. Notably, Bramblitt is blind.

Bramblitt is also the author of the award-winning book "Shouting in the Dark," which chronicles his life, his navigation through blindness, and how he rekindled his joy, passion, and relationships through art. He currently consults museums on developing inclusive programs for people of all abilities.

Before losing his vision, Bramblitt studied at the University of North Texas in Denton, where he graduated with honors. In 2001, due to complications from epilepsy and Lyme disease, he lost his sight, shattering his dreams of becoming a creative writing teacher and plunging him into a deep depression. Feeling disconnected from his loved ones, he discovered painting. By distinguishing paint colors through texture and using raised lines and haptic visualization, he taught himself to create lifelike portraits of people he had never seen, including his wife and son.

Art became a transformative force in Bramblitt's life. His intensely personal paintings often depict real people and events from his life. His unique workshops bridge the gap between beginner and professional artists and incorporate adaptive techniques for individuals with disabilities. Bramblitt believes, “Everyone has an artist somewhere in them; sometimes they just need a little help letting it out.”