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Times Herald-Record – Picture of determination: Visually impaired artist and teach returns to the work she loves
“What you need is encouragement,” says 77-year-old Joan Slocum, right, who, continues to paint and teach art, despite a devastating loss of eyesight. Here, Slocum critiques the work of student Joan Paese in Slocum's hamlet of Wallkill home studio.Times Herald-Record/CHET GORDON
Joan Slocum remembers when, as a toddler, she'd fearlessly climb high onto her mother's desk to snatch some paper — just so she could draw. Later, art would be not only a source of joy for Slocum but also her livelihood.
The hamlet of Wallkill resident went on to become a commissioned artist, as well as an art teacher. Portraits, especially of children, were Slocum's strength, capturing the essence of a person through fine details, shading and color.
But about three years ago after eye surgery, details blurred, shading wasn't as bold, and colors no longer looked distinct.
Slocum had to face the fact that she was losing one the most important tools of an artist — eyesight...
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