Bruce Horak

I am a visually-impaired artist from Canada. I love to write. I’ve done some film and TV (a bit of a stint on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds as Chief Engineer, Hemmer) but mostly I write, do live theatre, painting, music, and other forms of art. I was recently awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for Inclusivity and Diversity. By subscribing as a Fan, True Fan, or SuperFan, you'll be accessing monthly perks and joining me on my journey as a professional Artist who delights in exploring and shifting perspectives - my own and those of others - using humour, connection, frivolity, pretty colours, and lots of other good stuff. HOW DO YOU SEE? I was diagnosed with Bilateral Retinoblastoma when I was a year old and lost most of my eyesight at that time. I am often asked how it is that I do what I do with less than 10% eyesight.  I hope the answer is, "not too shabby". I've been a practicing artist for over 30 years, and while I may live with a disability I try not to let it define me.  It's an influence, no doubt.  It's often remarked on, and I have learned not to hide it or try to fake it, but there's lots more than meets the "eye".  (Oooo.... bad pun). I lost 91% of my vision to Cancer when I was very young.  My right eye is artificial and I have extreme tunnel-vision in my left.  Like looking down a straw.   I am also plagued with a lot of floaters, flashers, light-sensitivity and a general haze over what remains.   I've learned lots of tricks to adapt, and I use assistive technology as much as I possibly can (thanks, Apple).  THE HOBOSAPIEN With my limited eyesight I have managed to lead a pretty thrilling life (if I do say so myself) and through my work as an artist I have inspired others to do the same.  I like to challenge my own perceptions and notions about being an artist (aren't we all supposed to starve, or something?).   I have travelled to every province (and one territory) in Canada, performed onstage from Coast to Coast and abroad, and taught and lead workshops for over 25 years.  I make my living doing what I love: creating beautiful things and making people feel better. One of my greatest thrills is to speak to students, as they not only challenge me but they fire me up with enthusiasm and courage.  Over the last decade I've been a guest instructor or speaker at the University Of Lethbridge, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, Father Lacombe High School, Calgary Girl's School, W. Ross MacDonald School for the Blind, Westmount Charter School, and a whole host of Elementary, and Junior High Schools throughout the provinces.   In 2011 I began a serious painting practice in an attempt to capture how it is that I see.  I have now painted well over 1000 portraits and landscapes and continue to create works on a daily basis.  Painting, and the skills it focuses on, is a gateway into my other mediums: writing, improvisation, acting, music and musicality and performance are all affected by my overarching focus on the visual arts,  Here's a link to my ever-evolving visual art gallery: Online Gallery I am also a performer, musician, author and director.  I wear a lot of hats.  Happily. You can keep up with my current and upcoming events here: Events THANK YOU I would not have gotten to this point in my career without the support of people like you. I am immeasurably grateful. 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