At just five years old, Donny Schulz was passionate about art. He was inspired to draw by a family friend, also an artist, who encouraged him to explore his talent.

LSS Participant Donny Schulz is back drawing again, and it’s proving to be a win-win. Donny Schulz is no ordinary artist.

Donny had the ability to match his interest and he continued to study art through high school until Year 11. Drawing was a hobby but like most teenage boys, Donny decided to pursue football instead.

After a serious car accident at 17 years old, Donny’s life changed dramatically. He sustained a spinal cord injury which left him a tetraplegic and was unable to walk or use his hands.

Despite his tragic accident and the long journey to recovery, a significant period in hospital prompted Donny to start teaching himself to draw with his mouth. Equipped with motivation and a mobile drawing board that could be rearranged to suit his needs, Donny’s talent blossomed. The rest, as they say, is history.

“In total I was in bed for half a year; some would say that would have been hell and I am not going to say it wasn’t,” he says.

“In the larger picture, though, it brought a disguised blessing at that time. The ability to draw successfully. It took some getting used to but once I found my rhythm it started to feel like this was my calling.”