About Us

About Chris

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:

CFWS Central Florida Watercolor Society
Artist of Pasco

Accomplishments
Tampa Bay 10 News
The Suncoast News
The Oldsmar Monitor

Galleries
The Sullivan Gallery
The Progress Energy Gallery