“The desire to discover is what leads one on a journey to pursue wonders. Wonders are what I had to express in my art.”

Karina Chaikhoutdinov had always wanted to take photographs, but was limited in the range of movement of her arms and unable to maneuver a 35-mm camera. Only in January, with the advances of technology, was she able to purchase a Nikon digital camera noted for its swivel lens. Through the manipulation of images, she emphasizes particular aspects within the scene. "I never knew that I needed photography, but now I would not be able to live without it because it has become an essential part of me. When I take pictures, I am able to express the thoughts and emotions that I cannot convey in any other form." In this piece, Karina singles out a bird that is about to take flight from a tree scattered with several birds of the same species. "In a transitional moment, it seems as if the whole tree will be wild with commotion, and the beating of wings will disrupt the serenity of the scene. To be witness to this wonder is the gem of my journey." Karina has fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, a disease in which bone forms in muscles and connective tissue that generate an extra skeleton that immobilizes the body. She explains that looks can be deceiving, ruling her out of life’s activities by assuming she cannot function as a whole person. "The surprised looks on people’s faces when they realize that I am a photographer is at first delightful, but then turns into sadness when I realize how little people think of me." Karina aspires to becoming a professional photographer. "To travel to distant and exotic places, to see different types of people and animals, and to witness uncommon lifestyles would be a dream come true."

The Birds, photograph (18" x 10")