Who is RJ Higgins?

Therapeutic Discovery
After a serious accident I was paralyzed from the neck down. Incomplete quadriplegia. Through physical therapy and a LOT of soul searching I have been fighting my way back. Learning to walk and use my arms and hands again. My right hand has been slow to come back so I taught myself dexterity and fine motor control through art. Now I'm a lefty! I tend to gravitate to the ocean and all things in and around it and my work reflects that.

It's Not the Destination It's the Journey
When I began to draw and paint it was strictly a means to an end. Somewhere along the way it became far more than that. It has become my passion! Whether it is graphite pencil, pen and ink, acrylic, water color, or metal sculpture, creating and expressing myself through art has helped me find a new direction.

Be a Part of My Journey!
The idea of selling my work never really crossed my mind until I shared some pieces with friends. I respect their opinions and at their urging I have decided to offer them to everyone. 

A Little More About Our Journey

How Did I Get Here?
It's a scary thing to wake up unable to move from the neck down. This photo was taken several weeks after my accident. We were focusing on my left arm/hand because it was beginning to respond. My right arm kinda stayed where it was placed.
The key to moving on from tragedy is to continue pushing yourself beyond your limitations. You will never know the extent of your capabilities unless you are actively seeking them out. Find the edge and push past it.

Spinal Cord Injuries Rock!

No, no they don't. I have VERY limited feeling from the chest down. When I draw I have to constantly look at my hand or it will just let go of the pen. As a result of this focus and repetitive motion, my arm/hand will spasm after an undetermined period of time. It could be 30 minutes or it could be 2 hours. There are occasions when a spasm kicks in mid stroke potentially ruining the piece. I tend to take my time with each piece, some of my drawings took more than 40 hours to complete.

Life is Good

All things being equaled, I am doing well. I have an amazing wife and two great kids that inspire me everyday. From a prognosis of "He'll never walk again and will probably be in a nursing home" to where I am now, well I'll take it! Heck, I even get to surf again (with a considerable amount of help from friends).