A creative manner of perceiving reality is beneficial for individuals who posses it, because it makes their life more pleasant. In addition, it serves as an example to those around the person and helps to positively affect his environment. Eduardo Santana definitely has a creative way of perceiving reality.

When a person is eager to succeed and has a genuine passion for something, any obstacle is surmountable. Eduardo Santana, a man of Venezuelan descent who lives in Oklahoma, is an artist who overcomes obstacles on a daily basis.

It was 8:00 pm when Eduardo and I started talking. Eduardo likes to develop his photographs at this hour because during the day he is busy taking pictures and looking for venues to sell them on the Internet. Our chat took place in his dimly-lit dark room. Latin music played in the background and I could smell the characteristic vinegar-like odor of photo processing chemicals.

Eduardo adapted the equipment in his dark room to suit his needs: the trays, amplifier and the shelves are easy for him to use. It took Eduardo two years to build his accessible dark room.

AH: Why did you choose to be a photographer?

ES: I was in an auto accident when I was seven years old and ever since then I’ve been a wheelchair user. As a teen I was not able to do much physically so I became interested in reading illustrated books. I tried to be a writer, and I was pretty good at it. I had a few poems and short stories published in the local papers.

Then I became interested in drawing and painting. I began to observe the objects around me in great detail. However, I became frustrated by my lack of ability to make accurate representations of the objects that called my attention. That’s when I decided to learn photography. I enrolled in photography classes. As a photography student I learned basic technique, and have since been perfecting my practice with experience.

AH: What challenges or barriers have you encountered in the quest to do photography?

ES: Well, there have been many. In addition to the limitations that any photographer has, I am not able to move quickly and easily to get a shot. But, in general, I’ve managed to resolve all the problems one way or another, depending on the object, place or situation shooting. In addition, technology is advancing. Now even if I can’t get somewhere because it is not accessible, I can use a zoom lens to get up close. Right now digital photography is trendy, but I tend toward the traditional techniques of black and white photography.

I think challenges are whatever the individual invents. My wife, for example, always says: "a problem without a solution is not a problem at all." Creativity in problem solving and a positive attitude can help one overcome any obstacle.

AH: Why did you come here from Venezuela?

ES: My parents thought they might find a special treatment for me here, so they came and decided to stay. We arrived 20 years ago. I met my wife here, with whom I have two children, Eliana and Darío. I’ve gone back to Venezuela a few times but the situation is more and more difficult because there really aren’t accommodations in Venezuela for people who have physical limitations. Here, you know, the problems are of another nature. In general the services, laws and facilities for people with disabilities in the United States, are good. What I don’t think the United States can overcome is its political scandals, but we’re not here to talk about that today, right?

AH: No, no politics today. Your photography doesn’t appear commercial. Instead it is filled with unrecognizable forms, with a detail or two about some object but not the whole thing. You also don’t do photograph of people. Why not?

ES: Well, about two years ago I began having a curious feeling. I would start to feel like I was not being true to myself if I took photos of something conventional. I guess I felt reality diminished whatever dimension I wanted to capture on the photo paper. At the same time I also began to feel uncomfortable taking photographs of people. The photos I take of people don’t satisfy me or the person I am photographing. People think they are thinner, or more beautiful or younger than they appear, and usually they’re not. They just don’t like to see the truth. I’ll never forget one man who I photographed. When he looked at the photo I took he said he thought I made him look like the devil. I told him that cameras take pictures, they don’t make miracles. (laughs)

AH: Is this the reason why your photos are like abstract paintings?

ES: Yes, exactly. I like abstraction because it is a reality created by my camera, my eye, my brain. It’s a little part of the inside of me. I don’t want to take a picture of a conventional landscape. What for? I came to the conclusion that in the souvenir store they sell pretty postcards, and they’re cheaper than those that I would take.

AH: Are you always happy with your photographs?

ES: Well, happy with the photos, no, but with the act of taking them, yes. It helps me survive. I sell my photos out of state or to collectors here. It’s also helped me meet nice people like you (laughs) and to meet lots of great people and places. In two days I’m going to Montreal. I can’t complain about my luck. It could have been worse. Really, I’m happy.

AH: Have you been discriminated against because of your disability?

ES: Maybe so, but I’ve never realized it. I think the worst kind of disability is a disability of the spirit, of feelings, of a lack of sensitivity, talent, etc. I don’t suffer from any of these problems, so therefore, I don’t think anyone should discriminate against me. Also, thank God I don’t have to depend on anyone but me and my cameras.

AH: So then you live off your art?

ES: No, it’s actually the opposite. My art lives off me, or, better said, in me. But if you refer to if I profit from my photographs, the answer is yes. Some seasons are better than others. There are exhibit opportunities too. It’s like everything in life, the sales of my work has highs and lows. It’s not easy to survive doing photography, but little by little you go building your reputation, making a name for yourself. I’ve been doing photography for 15 years and it seems I’m just a beginner.

AH: What advice would you give to other people who possess a physical limitation?

ES: I would tell them the only disability is that of the spirit. Each person has the power to control what’s inside them.

Mr. Eduardo Santana bid me goodnight with a hug. I promised to come back to learn technique about how to take and develop photos.