The Art of Listening

After surviving a life-altering diagnosis of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis in 2016, DaNice D. Marshall faced hearing loss, permanent lung damage, and limited mobility that now requires a cane. The illness also affected her ability to write, a creative passion she had hoped to pursue after raising her family. Seeking a new outlet, she turned to painting despite having no formal training. What began as a simple, meditative activity evolved into a powerful artistic practice centered on storytelling, memory, and resilience. Today, her paintings reflect both her lived experience with disability and her commitment to accessibility, including tactile and braille-enhanced artworks that allow people of all abilities to engage with art. Through her work, DaNice demonstrates how creativity can transform loss into connection, empathy, and inclusion.