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