Partially sighted artist Khembi Maynard has an exhibition on at Cannock Library

Partially sighted artist Khembi Maynard has an exhibition on at Cannock Library, based on sight loss.

Transcript

00:00OK, Kemby, so we're here at Cannock Library and you've got an exhibition on at the moment, haven't you?

00:07Yeah.

00:08Just explain what it's all about, what your exhibition's all about.

00:12So my exhibition is about exploring visual impairments from the perspective of the artist.

00:19Yes.

00:20And it's about looking at things through dating, public transport and unemployment and work.

00:28Right, right. Because obviously you've had experience of all this yourself, haven't you?

00:32Yes.

00:33You're partially sighted, are you?

00:35I'm partially sighted, yes.

00:36Right.

00:37And my condition is called optic atrophy.

00:39And did that come on gradually, did it?

00:41No, I had it since birth.

00:44Oh, right, right. So what got you into painting and artwork then?

00:49Just the sheer fact I could express myself and I had a lot of support from my family

00:56encouraging me to do art and to do what I love, really.

01:01Yes.

01:02And that made me feel good inside, so I decided to pursue it. I have done a fine art degree.

01:08Wonderful.

01:09At Birmingham City University. And prior to that I was at college doing a BTEC art and design course.

01:16Yeah.

01:17So art runs in my blood.

01:19Yeah. Oh, fantastic. And have you had some good feedback about your artwork?

01:23Yes, especially this exhibition. I've had a lot of feedback.

01:26It's very good.

01:27And very positive feedback. So I'm just going to continue going from strength to strength.

01:32Wonderful. And how long is the exhibition here for?

01:34April. So it started on, the launch was the 25th of March.

01:39Yeah.

01:40And it's going on throughout April.

01:42Brilliant. Well, good luck with it all anyway.