My Account
Shawn Stevens
Painting and photography helped Shawn Stevens recover from a life changing road accident in 1998.
Shawn was just 23 when a late night prank on a dark road cost him the use of his legs, and very nearly his life. Reeling from the loss of his cousin, Shawn says he went off the rails.
“I laid down on the main road to show off to a mate, traffic was passing me on the opposite lane. When I went to get up, a car hit me in the back of the legs and smashed me in half. My body was completely broken and the doctors were sure I would die. It was horrific – I still carry the guilt of putting my family through that.”
It took two years of medical treatment before Shawn could return home. He is paralysed from the waist down and still suffers from debilitating bouts of pain. Shawn found art and then photography helped him deal with the psychological trauma from the accident.
“I love trying to capture images that are really impressive to the eye, but difficult to photograph. The whole creative process keeps me on an even keel.”
Shawn studied graphic design and multi-media and uses those skills to create multi-layered images. Colour saturation, overlay and filters create an optical feast, but Shawn is modest about his work.
“I feel like I’m just grasping how to take photos, but I do think my photos show my unique aspect on life. I can get shots of a beautiful sunset, or an unfortunate street dweller. All life is beautiful – don’t take it for granted.”
Shawn says the whole region around Wellsford inspires him and he often travels the back roads to find old buildings or rural scenes to photograph. The proceeds from his work are used to help various fundraising initiatives.
His artwork and his accident have changed his personality.
“It has made me a better person and altered my whole mindset. I never get tired of taking photos. Everyday is different.”
