Christopher Kuster: Nature Lover, Automobile Enthusiast, Watercolor Artist, and
Quadriplegic. All these defining elements describe a very unique individual, and nowhere is
that individuality more evident than in the beautiful and evocative watercolor and oil
paintings of Florida that Chris creates using only his teeth. Whether he is capturing the
intent stare of a white egret, or the fury of a summer storm, Chris's paintings make you feel
as if you are there with him, witnessing the quiet and unexpected beauty that is Florida.
Of course, the most unique aspect of Chris's paintings is the way in which they are done.
You see, Chris is a quadriplegic. A tragic swimming accident in July of 1992 left Chris
completely paralyzed from the chest down. During the long months of recovery, Chris
searched for a focus for his new life. A long time resident of Florida, Chris had spent
much of his life enjoying the outdoor lifestyle of the Florida West Coast. Now from the
new perspective of a wheelchair, Chris realized that he wanted to capture that feeling of
peace and tranquility that was all around him. Learning to paint, using only his teeth, was a
slow and arduous task, but anyone who knows Chris will tell you, he is an indomitable
spirit, who has not let even the most devastating of circumstances stop him from
accomplishing his goals. That tenacity has paid off. You can almost hear the wind blowing
through the sea grass when looking at his paintings. When asked why he chose to master
such a difficult skill, Chris responds "Painting gives me a release from my physical bonds, I
become so engrossed in the picture that I no longer feel as if I am in a wheelchair, I am
free". Chris hopes that people viewing his paintings will appreciate them for more than just
a handicapped success. He hopes that his paintings will transport his viewers to the places
he has been, and capture the serene essence that is the Florida landscape. Chris’ work
has been featured in newspapers, television, represented in galleries and nationally
published on greeting cards.
A fun and extroverted person, Chris looks forward to the future with great enthusiasm.
Chris’ love of the Florida Gulf Coast and its wildlife offer endless possibilities for his
paintings. Chris has described his accident as a life-altering experience, but he is learning
to live his life in a new way, and he has found a way to share that unique outlook with all
of us.

Member:

Mouth and Foot painting Artists




Central Florida Water Color Society
Artist of Pasco

Accomplishments

WEDU
The St. Petersburg Times
Tampa Bay 10 News
The Suncoast News
The Oldsmar Monitor
Flush Fashion Magazine
97.1 FM Fisher & Boy Show


Galleries
The Sullivan Gallery
The Progress Energy Gallery

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