Some artists might say their work is a hobby, an interest, a passion. For RJ Higgins, however, art has been a new lease on life.
After a serious accident seven years ago, Higgins was paralyzed from the neck down, deeming him an incomplete quadriplegic. Through physical therapy, occupational therapy, and a LOT of soul searching, he has been fighting his way back to do things most of us take for granted, like walking and using his arms and hands.
Early on, Higgins’ therapists tried to point him to art to improve his dexterity and motor function. He was still coming to grips with his situation though, and trying to draw or paint was the last thing on his mind.
As the years ticked by, some of his function returned. He went to college hoping to learn to write, but the dexterity in his right hand was slow to return. He embraced the use of his left hand, which was more functional than his right, and he became a lefty. Higgins took a drawing and a watercolor class, thinking he could improve his dexterity and fine motor control. This opened his eyes, and what started as strictly a means-to-an-end became a passion to create.
Today, Art by RJ Higgins covers an array of mediums, including graphite pencil, pen and ink, acrylic, watercolor, and metal. He also creates decorative pieces from reclaimed and scrap wood, as well as from salvaged materials. His works are inspired by the ocean and all things in and around it. Creating and expressing through art has helped Higgins find new direction.
Higgins says the most rewarding part of creating his art is finding what is hiding inside. “Whether it’s a wood plank painting or a sculpture, I really enjoy the search,” he states. Of course, a very close second is the satisfaction of knowing that he can do this. “I still have very vivid memories of being hoisted out of bed and placed in a wheelchair so that my wife could brush my teeth. I do not take my abilities for granted.”
Higgins believes the key to moving on from tragedy is to continue pushing himself beyond his limitations. The prognosis doctors gave him was grim, saying that he would likely never walk again, and would probably be in a nursing home. However, Higgins says, “You will never know the extent of your capabilities unless you are actively seeking them out. Find the edge and push past it.”
That so-called edge regularly challenges Higgins. Because he has very limited feeling from the chest down, when he draws he must constantly watch his hand, or it will just let go of the pen. Focused and repetitive motions make his arm and hand spasm after an undetermined period. It could be 30 minutes, or it could be two hours. There are occasions when a spasm kicks in mid-stroke, potentially ruining his artwork. Therefore, Higgins has learned to take his time with each piece. As a result, some of his drawings have taken more than 40 hours to complete.
The idea of selling his work never crossed Higgins’ mind until he shared some pieces with friends. One of them bought a black-and-white pen drawing of a baby sea turtle about two years ago. Higgins thought she was just being nice and showing her support. However, his friends’ positive feedback continued, as did their urgings that he sell his artwork. Finally, their persuasive tactics worked, and he began offering his pieces to the public through his business, Art by RJ Higgins.
He started with a booth at the Old City Farmers Market on Saturdays. “When you share your work, you are baring your soul. The idea that people won’t like it, or worse, laugh at it, is very real and very terrifying,” he explains.
For Higgins, the response to his work has been overwhelmingly positive, especially when people learn more about his creative process.
Today, Higgins’ work can be found at local places like Simple Gestures and Zora Bora Gallery. On Saturdays, Higgins still has a booth at the Old City Farmers Market. He’s also at The Night Market on the first and third Tuesdays of every month at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. To see what he’s working on currently, follow him on social media: @artbyrjhiggins.
A huge proponent of the local movement, Monika Bernthal takes special interest in writing about those who contribute their talents to the nation’s oldest city and enrich our community.