Austin Art Garage - Artist: Burl Norville

Burl Norville

Until a few years ago, I had only done a handful of paintings in my life. I have always been interested in art from an early age though, mostly drawing. Unusual circumstances brought art and painting to the forefront for me. I lost my hearing in 2002 when I was 30 years old. I am now profoundly deaf. Since I no longer have music, my focus has switched to art as a creative outlet. It has taken a few years to get to the point where I feel I am able to create and not judge the creation, but learn from it instead. My art is a result of frustration and necessity. Although my pieces lean heavily towards the darker side of the human experience, it isn’t all doom and gloom. I keep a sense of humor in my works as well, as I don’t enjoy taking myself too seriously.

Art is now a very important tool for me, and I am grateful for the vent that it provides.