A note from the artist:

On November 12. 2015 my world changed completely. I suffered a massive stroke which 2 years later has left me without the use of my right arm and with severe communication deficits. It ended my life as an oysterman. It ended my life as a photographer. I had to learn to walk, talk, and see again. I work absurdly hard to do what once I didn't even think about- reading, speaking, tying my shoes, hemming my pants. After the stroke, I felt lost.

My disability limits my access to former professions, and pleasures, and alters my relationship to most everything. But this isn't my story. Into the void, painting rushed in. It is grace to have a left hand that can grip a brush and access my mind's eye. This is how painting, formerly a pastime among my many artistic pursuits, became my lifeline to the world. Painting is my artistic release, my soapbox, my great joy, and my hope for livelihood. My painting helped me to see again. The work you see is art that I have produced during my recovery process.

Painting is my present and painting is my future. Through painting, I hope to create a longer, deeper, more satisfying dialogue with the world. I want to further transcend the need for speech and, within the process of creating paintings, communicate truths of my human experience.

- Miah Nate Johnson