Former Hillsboro businessman to display works of art on Nov. 6

By Chuck Krainz
HCP guest columnist

In early 1999 my office, LaGrind Optical closed in uptown Hillsboro. Until August of this year, I have practiced as an optician in nursing facilities across southern Ohio. This work, coupled with a lifelong interest in furniture production, led me down a path of discovery.

The journey spawned an interest in art.

Age-related health issues, especially vision loss, contributed to my work as an artist. With age, our senses diminish.

Sight, hearing, smell and taste are all compromised. Touch is our last sense. Thus, my concentration was placed on pieces that were best experienced through caress. These "Braille Sculptures" are best "seen" with our hands.

Many patients in the assisted living facilities were incapable of expressing themselves verbally. However, when these sculptures were placed in their hands, a warm smile appeared. A look of amazement often spread across their faces. There is no doubt my work provided comfort.

Several blind individuals, hearing of my work, wanted to undergo the same experience.

They were fascinated, imagining details no longer visible. The smooth undulations found within a simple chunk of wood, revealed by meticulous attention to detail, had an unforeseen effect.

Serenity and calmness descends upon the holder. One young employee of a home exclaimed, “Chuck, this is crazy, but holding this makes me happy!”

A realization slowly took hold.

This art form had to be explored more fully. I have ended my 32-year optical career in order to study this phenomena.

Since then, couples have held these pieces as one approached their death. The tranquility provided during the final moments of decades-long relationships has staggered me. My work provides solace when it is most needed.

Now, families are commissioning works to be safeguarded by the eldest of the clan. The composition is delivered in a protective drawstring bag. Younger members of the family are encouraged to touch the keepsake within the bag, adding their oils to the finish, while only imagining the visual beauty of the piece. The reward for becoming eldest: An opportunity to view the art.

On Nov. 6, I will be stationed in front of Bon Appetit, on West Main Street in downtown Hillsboro, during that month’s First Friday event, from 5-8 p.m.

Feel free to stop by and "see" this work with your hands. Be prepared to say “wow."

Inspect my most recent efforts, "Sights, Unseen" and discover for yourself how well the blind can see.