by Brandon Ness
Medium: Charcoal on paper
Artist Statement
To illustrate the concept of “Sensing the Unseen,” this charcoal drawing of a garlic plant highlights the concept of invisible disabilities, which are disabilities that may not be immediately evident or recognized by others. When observing, the first thing that becomes apparent is the contrast in shape and texture of its components. The components that lie above the surface, the stem and leaves, emerge as an organized chaos. The portion of the plant that would be found beneath the surface, the bulb and roots, appears as a small cluster that possesses a different weight and texture. The viewer may notice there is no soil in the image, which typically helps to delineate the visible from the invisible components. The lack of demarcation between the seen and unseen highlights the continuity within the drawing—illustrating the wholeness of people with disabilities, inclusive of what is above or below the surface.
Artist Bio
Brandon Ness, PT, DPT, PhD is an Associate Professor and serves as the Assistant
Director of Curriculum in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Tufts University in Boston, MA. Brandon believes that art allows him to connect with others in a unique, relatable way while exploring concepts in physical therapy practice and education. He has always enjoyed seeking opportunities for innovation in teaching/research, and the visual arts offer a creative, engaging means to understand different perspectives. Charcoal drawing has been his primary artistic medium, where his work has been published in the Journal of Humanities in Rehabilitation. Brandon’s current research interests include health humanities, disability and accessibility in healthcare education, and educational technology. He has co-authored over 30 publications in peer-reviewed journals and has presented nationally and internationally on topics related to physical therapy practice and education.
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