This heartwarming and visually vibrant episode of The Blind Chick opens with a special birthday celebration for co-host Penn Street. Listeners from around the world, including touching messages from Oksana in Russia and friends from GFI Grand Junction, share their love and gratitude for Penn’s impact.
The episode then transitions into an unforgettable conversation with world-renowned blind painter John Bramblitt. John shares his journey as a blind artist, his unique process for understanding color and texture, and how tactile and auditory technologies help him “see” and recreate realistic portraits—including celebrities like Jeff Bridges. From texturized paint techniques to sound-based image translation, John paints a compelling picture of accessibility in art.
He and the hosts explore imagination, how we all build “visual” worlds differently, and the importance of feeling oversight in artwork. John also speaks on his work with international museums, his Yellow Dog Art Bar in Texas, and the emotional honesty that fuels his art.
The show closes with a reflection on the courage to fail, and how each mistake is a brushstroke on the journey toward success.
⏱️ Chapter Markers:
00:00 – 🎉 Penn’s Birthday Celebration
01:30 – Listener Birthday Messages
02:19 – Tribute to Penn’s Advocacy
03:00 – The Power of Textured Paint for the Blind
04:43 – John’s Ever-Changing Studio Techniques
07:06 – Painting Realistic Portraits Without Sight
09:31 – Tech That Helps Blind Artists “See”
11:54 – NVDA, Cat Eyes, and Future Apps
14:12 – 3D Printing & Tactile Art Innovations
16:35 – Dream World vs. Real World in Art
18:59 – The Importance of Emotional Honesty in Art
21:11 – How to Contact John Bramblitt & Visit His Gallery
23:35 – John's Book & Accessibility Options
24:50 – Final Thoughts on Failure & Art
25:54 – Show Close & Calls to Action