Tommy Hollenstein
Los Angeles, CA
Tommy Hollenstein, raised in the San Fernando Valley, saw his childhood dream of becoming an artist dim after a 1985 mountain bike accident confined him to a wheelchair. Despite initial setbacks with traditional painting methods, a turning point came two years later when he received his first service dog, Weaver, a yellow Labrador. Weaver not only restored Hollenstein's independence but also ignited his artistic journey. Using non-toxic paint on Weaver and his wheelchair, assisted by others, Tommy found a unique painting process that became a symbol of liberation. Hollenstein's deliberate and meticulous technique, involving up to 50 coats of paint applied with his wheelchair tires, resulted in vibrant artworks showcased globally. Each piece, named with solitary words like "Expect," "Soar," and "Beyond," embodies a spirit of positivity and movement, reflecting Tommy's desire to inspire others to break free from constraints and reach new heights through the transformative power of art.
