Brian Nice

"I feel like I live inside a Picasso painting."

Life can turn on a dime.

Brian Nice is a world-renowned photographer, athlete, and Traumatic Brain Injury survivor. He has had two brain bleeds as a result of a condition referred to as cavernous malformation in the pons area, caused by an abnormal capillary that slowly hemorrhaged. Most people do not survive this condition, but after two surgeries the world is still blessed by his infectiously joyful, comedic presence. Brian often jokes that he is a "method actor"—the physical limitation and presentation you see are simply his way of training for a starring role in a Hollywood film. Brian is one of those unforgettable people who will make you laugh until your gut hurts, cry with empathy and leave you earnestly considering what really matters in life.

What is remarkable about Brian’s journey is his unwillingness to throw in the towel on his chosen craft. For thirty years Brian had been a professional photographer, shooting advertising and fashion in the US, Australia, and Europe. He also has a deep, heart-felt passion for landscape photography. He is now bound to a wheelchair, his hands shake uncontrollably and he sees double unless he wears his signature eye patch. Given these circumstances, many would think photography is a thing of the past. Instead, Brian says it’s important to show the world how he sees now, which is like “living inside a Picasso painting.” He uses a Holga camera and chooses to not have a counter-weight to counteract his shaking. Instead, the double-exposure effect gives the viewer a glimpse into his unique and surreal perspective.

Talking with Brian, it is clear that art is therapy. Coordinating his hands and his vision to create an image is a physically arduous and therapeutic task but even more, taking photographs is his way of honoring his new way of seeing. Brian’s condition certainly entered him into the hard school of adaptation thirteen years ago and there’s nothing easy about it. He doesn’t sugar-coat his moment-to-moment struggle to exist. But his perseverance, appreciation for art and bottomless appetite for good (and bad) jokes is a testament to Brian’s strength of character and the powerful impact it has on anyone lucky enough to be in his presence.

 If you visit his blog, you're in for a real treat.