Dream come true for teenage artist who lost sight
BBCA teenage artist who lost her sight at aged 15 says having her work displayed is a dream come true.
Lilly, from Kingstanding in Birmingham, was registered blind after undergoing surgery for several health issues, including the removal of two brain tumours.
She found joy in painting as she recovered in hospital, after being inspired by American painter Bob Ross.
Her striking Hope Within the Mountains painting will be on display in Birmingham's Victoria Square throughout June.
Lily said she was "happy, excited and surprised" it was part of the Open25 exhibition.
"I was waiting for it to be put up so I could come down here and see it," she said.
"Even though I'm blind, I can still see part of it [because] it's so bright. I'm just shocked."
The teenager wants to inspire others and spread positivity and is promoting her work on social media under the name of Hope Studioz.
Asked about the name of her displayed artwork, Lily said it was chosen by her mother, Cherie.
"It seems right," she said. "It was perfect. The name just sounded right for the painting."
Lily's father, Graham said he hoped his daughter would now understand how good she was.
"She's a 15-year-old girl who is registered blind, and yet she produces art that's good enough to go up in an exhibition," he said.
"Lily wasn't born with a middle name [but] we actually gave her the name Hope because of the journey she had gone on, because she has fought and battled through life.
"Regardless of what goes on, she still creates beauty and keeps going.
"Hope is the inner strength that Lil has that she shares with everyone through her painting."
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