From Chaos to Beauty:
Art After a Stroke
The scribble art of celebrated American artist SteveOrino. Capturing the beauty of resilience and creativity after a stroke.
About
the artist
Steve Phelps is a former magazine illustrator who took up scribble art after a massive stroke left his left side paralyzed. For over 40 years, Phelps graced publications like Saturday Evening Post, Better Homes and Gardens, and Ebony magazine with captivating illustrations. However, in April 2023, a hemorrhagic stroke left the left side of his body paralyzed.
Undeterred, Phelps embarked on a new artistic journey, discovering the power of expression through his remaining right hand. During his recovery, he experienced such unbearable anxiety that he wanted to give up, but would always tell himself, “I’m not going to quit today. I can wait until tomorrow.”
His art is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to adapt and find beauty even in unexpected ways, inviting viewers into a world where every stroke tells a story of renewal and hope.
His drawings include iconic people such as John Lennon, Albert Einstein, John F. Kennedy, and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
“I do my drawings because I want to give people hope.”
On My Easel
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Contact the Artist
Whether you're interested in purchasing a piece, collaborating on a project, or simply learning more about my work, I’d love to hear from you.
Please use the form on the right to send a message, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you for supporting my art and my journey.
This piece is particularly meaningful to me as it was created during my journey as a stroke survivor, showcasing fluid brushwork that highlights the emotions and mood.