The History

As Deaf Art began in the 1760's-1800's the first deaf artists in America usually painted portraits of American settlers in an attempt to be recognized in the new world. They usually painted in the style of English artists since there wasn’t yet an American art style. As there were no museums or guidance, the artists taught themselves. Deaf artists from that time, including William Mercer, the first known Deaf American artist, usually painted portraits or scenes of the times including Civil War scenes and Native American and “New West” way of life.

These artists usually tried to make a living painting portraits for wealthier people and some were travelers going from town to town to paint portraits.  Many of the earlier deaf artists never even knew another deaf person., as a result they painted in the same way as hearing artists. The American colonial artists in the book were lucky enough to be born into families who could afford education.

As America continued to develop, more artist began to study art abroad.John Carlin was the first Deaf American artist to study abroad. The first Deaf photographer was Theophilus Hope D’Estrella , not too long after photography was invented.

In 1989, after a festival known as The Deaf Way, an artist named Betty G. Miller began a new Deaf Art movement which defined in a written and visual manifesto which became known as the De’VIA movement.