Thursday, May 23, 2013
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Blind Man Carves Bowls from Exotic WoodsA condition caused facial spasms and severely impacted Carey Monacelli’s vision nine years ago. It ended his career as a mechanic, but began his career as a master carver.Related Content
Carey Monacelli is an amazing woodworker whose beautiful bowls carved from exotic woods sell at local galleries for $100 and up. But Monacelli has a special challenge as an artist-he’s considered legally blind.
Nine years ago, the Anchorage resident woke up with a frightening realization, he couldn’t see.
“I was bumping into walls and the pressure behind my eyes was bringing tears,” says Monacelli. “I had no idea what was wrong!”
Monacelli was diagnosed with a neurological condition called Dystonia that causes facial spasms and severely impacts his vision. Sunlight is particularly painful for him.
“I could barely go outside,” says Monacelli, “and for almost six months I didn’t even leave my apartment.”
Fortunately, Monacelli found his way to the Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, where he was enrolled in a program to learn woodworking, something he had never tried before.
“I knew nothing about wood then. Now I know almost everything,” says Monacelli.
Nine years later, Monacelli has become a master woodcarver. He does all the work himself and sometimes uses tools that have been adapted for those who are visually impaired.
He credits the center for giving him support and encouragement as well as a venue to sell his work. He says they helped him to “see” the talents he never knew he had.
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Terrence said on Tuesday, May 31 at 1:28 PM
That's totally understandable. But as people with visual impairments, we learn how to use alternative techniques to deal with things that people who are sighted do visually. Also, not everyone who is considered blind actually has no vision.
68034406CBIII said on Tuesday, May 31 at 9:49 AM
The center is located near the corner of Taft & Spenard (behind the Yamaha dealer). There is a bus route at the same intersection. If you're interested, we give tours at the center every month.
68021036curious said on Monday, May 30 at 9:40 PM
is the acbv close to a people mover bus stop? i really am curious about acbv. i would put on an extra dark pair of sunglasses for an hour to experience a short time of how my bus buddy lives.
67994686curious said on Monday, May 30 at 9:33 PM
i have a blind bus buddy so please don't think this is a razzie ok? if my eyes ever turned off, i would be scared to use regular knives! i did'nt say, scared to socialize, or eat, i would be concerned about accidently cutting myself or poking another person at the table.
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