We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kelie Hess. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kelie below.
Kelie, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding my purpose came over time when I learned to not only accept myself and what makes me different from others but when I learned to see the value and opportunity that can come from experiencing life with a disability. I was born with a rare, congenital condition from birth. My body is shaped differently due to contractions or limited movement in my joints. The condition included scoliosis and in my case, impairment of the respiratory system. When I was a teen, my respiratory condition declined to the point of needing the assistance of a ventilator to make the exchange or air and carbon dioxide in my lungs.
Living with a significant physical disability has pushed me to view and navigate through the world in a way that is not typical of the mainstream. I found purpose when I recognized the power of my unique perspective. I found my purpose when I started using my voice and believing that my voice was important and needed in this world. I draw from my life experiences, my unique perspective, and my ability to teach others about disability and to show that life with a disability is not a life of sadness or tragedy. Disability is a very natural part of the human experience, and it is never something a person should have to feel embarrassed by or ashamed of.
Life with a disability has brought me remarkable experiences that I would not have had without my disability. It gives me perspective and determination. It gives me strength, community, and purpose that I value deeply. It’s only one part of my life and who I am, yet it gives me a framework for creating a life that I love. A life I am proud of. Life with a disability requires creativity. It means looking and moving through life differently than the mainstream. There are as many ways to experience life with a disability as there are people in the world, each one being unique. I think that is worth celebrating.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am currently working at Utah State University’s Institute for Disability Research, Policy, and Practice. I work as a program coordinator and am involved with multiple projects that focus on competitive, community-based employment for people with disabilities. I do training and education on alternative approaches to community employment and on growing expectations for employment and community membership for people with disabilities.
As a person who experiences life with a disability myself, I understand the value that employment brings to people’s lives. I believe that every person, no matter their ability, with the right support should have the opportunity to work and contribute to their community if they would like to.
I love the work that I do and it is important to me to do my part in advancing opportunities for people with disabilities as well as making efforts to shift society’s understanding and ideas about disability in a positive, upward trajectory. My supportive husband also experiences life with a disability and works to help people get mobility devices that allow for the most independent life possible. Contributing to the disability community is a value we share.
I am also an artist. Although my art is not what I do for my career, it is a meaningful part of my life that I am passionate about. Everyone has a story. My art tells mine. Although I took some art classes in college, it wasn’t until years later that I answered the urge to develop a creative outlet.
New life, nature, the growth of trees, birds in flight. These express the assurance that no matter what, no matter how tough life gets, I am loved and watched over. I am part of something much bigger than myself.
Everyone sees the world in different ways. Vibrant, bold colors express how I am determined to think and love in life; covering every canvas completely.
I use heavy strokes of deep color. These strokes declare that I decide the course of my life and that we are all able to, with fierce courage, live the life we were made for.
All of my paintings are original. Occasionally I do multiple paintings of the same design, but no two are the same. I enjoy things that are unique and believe in authenticity. I feel like I put something of myself into every piece. I will always view myself as an emerging artist as opposed to an established professional artist because, for me, so much of the art is in the process itself, and if through the process a piece reaches a place that pleases both my heart and my eye, that is a bonus!
Life is an adventure. Leap fearlessly.
My work can be seen on Instagram @colorsofkelie
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Determination- Sometimes mistaken for stubbornness, I decided at an early age I needed to live with determination, drive, and intention to direct my life in order to build a life I was proud of – a life with meaning and purpose. I have some passive tendencies in my personality but when I realized I was at risk of my life becoming less than what I knew there was potential for it to be, I made a conscious effort to reach for determination. I knew that within the scope of my disability, I wanted to live as independently as possible. Everyone needs support at times, but if I can do it myself, that’s how I want to do it. I set goals for myself around education, employment, and other areas that would build an independent lifestyle for myself. This is important to me. Determination guides my work as an artist. I always want to be evolving and progressing. As I’ve looked at my work over the years, I can see how my drive and determination have influenced both my artistic skill and the emotion expressed in my work.
Resilience- I believe resilience is a skill that can be learned and developed. Living life with a disability is an experience I would not trade. Of course, some pieces are hard and exhausting days, but that is real life for every person- those who identify with disability and those who don’t. I feel that resilience is the willingness and determination to move through and grow from times of difficulty. I think resilience requires a level of vulnerability- to allow difficult experiences to shift you into someone different than you were before. The process can be uncomfortable, but the strength that is earned is a gift.
Gratitude- The intentional practice of recognizing the good in my life has been a foundation for my happiness and peace. Life can get discouraging at times, for anyone. Living with gratitude is a simple practice, yet a brings powerful results. Being grateful can change your life. I know it has changed mine. When I take time to take note of the good in my life, I am able to see more clearly how incredible my life is and I can recognize that there is so much good! I feel like gratitude doesn’t just improve our personal happiness but it can motivate us to be a strength to others and even change the world for the better.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
I happen to have incredible parents. So much of the good that exists in my life is due to them and the love and support they have given me my whole life. Growing up as a child with a significant disability certainly had its challenges. But my parents did a remarkable job of raising me the same as they raised my siblings. They didn’t insist on me doing overly difficult things, but they found ways for me to contribute to the housework the same as my siblings. Even though the joints in my fingers contract and do not have the same function as typical hands, my mom put me in piano lessons, just like she did my brothers and sisters. They allowed me to have experiences. They had expectations for me. They let me take the lead in my life. They allowed me to practice self-direction, but they were always there with encouragement, support, and tools to expand my independence. My dad is a genius at designing and building tools and devices that have helped me be as independent as possible and made life easier for me. My mom taught me the importance of education and showed me how that would be a key to creating an independent life. Together they instilled in me the idea that I could do whatever I wanted. They taught me that with determination and creativity, a way can always be found, even if it looks different from how other people are doing life. As an adult, I am so deeply appreciative of how they raised me. To this day, they are still encouraging me and showing support for whatever project or adventure I decide to take on.
Contact Info:
- Website: keliehess.com
- Instagram: @colorsofkelie
- Facebook: Kelie Babcock Hess
Image Credits
Michelle Harward
