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    Paralyzed graffiti artist paints with his eyes

    L.A.-based artist Tony "TEMPT ONE" Quan is a legend in the graffiti world.

    In 2003, he was diagnosed with ALS.

    When the disease paralyzed "virtually every muscle in his body" except his eyes, amazing new technology enabled Quan to continue doing what he loves.

    Bedridden Quan now creates art with the movement of his eyes, thanks to the EyeWriter, one of TIME's "best inventions of 2010."

    "After trying the EyeWriter — the first time he'd drawn anything since he was fully paralyzed — Quan said 'It feels like taking a breath after being held underwater for five minutes,'" TIME's Kayla Webley wrote.

    Watch the inspiring trailer for "Getting Up," the upcoming documentary that chronicles Quan's incredible return to his art.

    The film recently won an audience award at the Slamdance Festival.

    What do you feel about this article?

     

    21 comments

    • Kathleen  •  3 months ago
      This is incredible....wow, kudos!
    • neurocognitive  •  3 months ago
      There is a lot of technology being applied to people with ALS. I saw a presentation a few years ago from a researcher who developed a system which could allow a completely paralyzed person (even without eye movement control required for the technology referenced in this article) to write, by detecting changes in brainwaves when certain letters were highlighted. It was slow, but it allowed communication.

      Brain-computer interface, baby!
    • cheryl  •  3 months ago
      This proves that there is good in the world and that some people actually still care. Cudos! Your Mothers and Fathers would be proud of you!
    • Miss.Awesome  •  3 months ago
      This is so amazing! I feel so great for TEMPT that he can do what he loves again.
    • Syntax  •  3 months ago
      It is myself who needs eyesight, or better at that at least. I thought the headline read 'paralyzed giraffe artist paints with his eyes'. Alas, I am very happy to have been wrong and that this man can at least do something he loves. Kudos to the brilliant people who came up with the tech to help these unfortunate folks.
    • baylee  •  Markham, Ontario  •  3 months ago
      THIS ONE OF THOSE MOMENTS WHEN i AM OVERWHELVED BY THE REALITY OF ANOTHER HUMAN BEING FACING MONUMENTAL BARRIERS TO LIVING.
    • Just My Opinion  •  Halifax, Nova Scotia  •  3 months ago
      So cool!
    • semajppat  •  3 months ago
      Many good artists are stuck in mundane jobs. Many politicians enjoy the sunshine.
    • d  •  Prince George, British Columbia  •  3 months ago
      what a great concept. my hats off to the men and women who have dedicated there time to create this.
      i understand people being upset with kids tagging any building or available wall with useless words or there names. Those vandals are not true "artists"
      to avoid needless vandalism i've seen companies contract out artists to mural sides of there buildings and the results have been beautiful.
      i can't wait to view this documentary
    • voice of reason  •  Montreal, Quebec  •  3 months ago
      Some people go to court demanding euthanasia and some do the best they can with each minute left to live. I admire him and will send him some good thoughts. Thank you for having the guts to live and find joy.
      • Snodge 3 months ago
        We shouldn't judge those who wish to go peacefully if they are in terrible pain, or cannot live like Quan. Every case like this is unique.
    • Enfant terrible  •  3 months ago
      What will they think of next?
    • Gayle Kohlenberg  •  Brandon, Manitoba  •  3 months ago
      I absolutely agree with Voice of Reason. Courage isn't the absence of fear, it's taking action in the face of it. This man is COURAGEOUS!
      And Lolo Mondo, what have you done to better your environment lately???
    • kyleecj  •  Fredericton, New Brunswick  •  3 months ago
      he has more guts in one of his little eyelashes than almost anyone i have ever met stay alive guy I wish I knew you! let one person live 1 hour in your body I know I want you to stay here as long as I .kyleecj
    • Inacoma123  •  Vancouver, British Columbia  •  3 months ago
      While I feel genuine sadness for this chap's physical illness, Graffitti is NOT an art - it is vandalism, costing taxpayers millions every year.
      • rjs467 3 months ago
        Not on his walls !
      • voice of reason 3 months ago
        It would not cost taxpayers any money if it was left where it was.
      • Inacoma123 3 months ago
        V O R - what a lame answer..if I worked my butt off for years to own a building for a company I sweated 20 hrs/day to run my company...the last thing I want is graffiti on it. I agree..there are some places where it is fabulous - like the wall on Bondi Beach - but NOT on businesses or railway cars. These are amateur criminals..period.

        RJS - as long as it stayed on His walls..it's art, not graffiti.
    • Yahooligan  •  Victoria, British Columbia  •  3 months ago
      his painting must be an eye-sore...

      Ba-Dum- CHshhh!!

      All kidding aside that is awesome what an inspirational story!
      • Jim 3 months ago
        @Dean: For making such a comment, it is safe to say you must have the I.Q. of house plant.....Ba-Dum-CHshhhh.....
      • Grace 3 months ago
        GROOOOAAAANNNN!
      • Yahooligan 3 months ago
        i love how yahoo cuts my comment off right where i say i was kidding and that it was an awesome and inspirational story lol oh well
    • grampathom  •  Ajax, Ontario  •  3 months ago
      The tech-no-logic waste of resources. The impetus for this machinery was that soldiers could be able to fire weapons by using their eye movements only. After spending $billiOns of dollars and years of field testing it was found that the ENEMY, more often than not, poked out the captives eyes with a sharp stick..............................on the other hand, a great accomplishment for this chap...............................................
      • neurocognitive 3 months ago
        Eye tracking technology was developed for the general research community as well. It;'s been in use for many years now, and has lead to many interesting discoveries, including the fact that part of the reading problems in dyslexia has to do with abnormal eye tracking.

        Don't be so damned pessimistic.
    • Itsjustme  •  3 months ago
      Crappy artist. there are much better
      • Medi_Cal420 3 months ago
        crappy comment i've read better
      • Syrak 3 months ago
        itsjustme: you can do better?
      • Jayceca 3 months ago
        Oh yes, he can do better, especially with his eyes. What an idiot, doesn't know how to give credit to anyone.
    • Lolo Mondo  •  Montreal, Quebec  •  3 months ago
      Great! Now there's definitely no way to stop these graffiti artists from messing up our world!
    • Dmitry  •  Burlington, Ontario  •  3 months ago
      graffiti artist!? the dog sh...t looks better!!!!
    • Viewpoint Bizarre  •  3 months ago
      Unfortunately, that technology is what people who aren't paralyzed want, so they can be lazy F's just like they already are. Can't even lift your arm to change the channel anymore! Can't even lift a finger. If you're more interested in the technology than your own F'ng spine,... you are.... ????... more than retarded! Thanks for reping humans, I'd rather be an insect eating SH%! If I were paralyzed, I think I'd .... suffer for ever and until the day I die.
      HAlf you idiots would love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come On, not having to lift a finger..... you know you'd love it. You're so silver spooned you'd pay to break your back.
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