article by 'Krystle Moritz'

Painting Miracles

Playing in a band and painting artwork isn't as easy as it looks…and for one Valley man…it's a miracle.

Some say it's art. Others call it a gift. But Kirk O'Hara is not your ordinary artist. Imagine playing music and painting without using any arms or legs. Can't is not a word in Kirk's vocabulary. He defies odds despite being born with a rare birth defect leaving him unable to use his arms or legs. It's his talent and passion for art that lives on. His paintings are remarkable. When I first saw him painting with his mouth and the beautiful picture that resulted from it, I was speechless. He uses a lot of colors and paints interesting and unusual designs.
Kirk provides inspiration for everyone he meets. His friend Jesse says he has learned so much from Kirk's talent and outlook on life. Kirk's ability to paint with his mouth allows him to pour his spirit onto the canvas. And when it comes to music…there are no refrains. Kirk plays the hermonica in a band with Jesse who plays the drums. I was amazed with the music they played for me. They play all different types of music from jazz, reggae, punk, rock and metal.
Beating the odds is one thing, Kirk says he hopes to complete 1,000 more paintings by the end of his life.