Jesica Gacuson, from Hawaii was born with a birth defect known as bilateral congenital disorder which means she has no use of her arms and limited use of her legs. This proved to make all things in her life a challenge, as she had to learn to do everything with her feet instead of her hands. Jesica was determined to be like all the other kids and refused to let her disability come in the way of her dreams. Jesica learned to play the drums with her feet and she can even drive a car.

While in college, Jesica discovered she wanted a career in animation and soon enrolled in the necessary classes. She was surprised to learn she needed to take art classes in order to pursue this degree and as she began painting with her foot, she realized she loved it.

Jesica was accepted as a student to the Association and loves to draw still lifes and florals in bright, vivid colors.

Pictured above: “Still Life” by Gacuson.