The Global Artist Who Paints with His Mouth: "Disability is in the Mind, Not the Body"

In the first moments you enter the colorful gallery of Yochai Levi in Moshav Peduim, you might feel like you are walking through a lush, blooming paradise. The walls are adorned with dozens of landscape paintings, all painted with great skill and exceptional precision. There's no doubt that a special soul lies behind them. But what's fascinating is that Yochai Levi is not only a talented painter, he is also paralyzed in both his arms and legs. He paints using his mouth and is considered one of only 15 artists in the country who paint with their mouth or foot.

An Accident That Started from Foolishness

Yochai's injury occurred about 35 years ago in a severe motorcycle accident. "The accident was sheer foolishness from start to finish," he says, "but I don't see the point in detailing it because what matters is the outcome – I was evacuated to the hospital in a very serious condition, underwent several surgeries and was initially in intensive care, then moved to the regular ward and finally spent eleven months in rehabilitation."

Levi notes that when he first woke up after the injury and realized his entire body was paralyzed, he said two words: "I'm doomed." But during the long hospitalization period, he also had time to reflect deeply on what happened, understand where he was headed, and how he planned to live the rest of his life with a disability.

"I've always been a believer," he emphasizes, "but I never expressed it practically. It was only after the accident that I experienced significant spiritual growth. I started to understand that it wasn't a coincidence that I was injured, and realized there's a higher power guiding me, and Hashem chose me to be close. Those were days I desperately sought someone to accompany me, and the understanding that there's a greater entity responsible for the world only did me good. This strengthened me tremendously, and I simply began to thank Hashem for being a merciful Father, knowing what's best for me."

Alongside this, Levi also began contemplating what he would do with his life since all his previous plans had evaporated and became irrelevant. "I initially planned to establish an animal corner at my parents’ farm and cultivate the dairy barn, I even renovated the place, but three days before bringing the animals, the accident happened. It was clear I couldn't realize that dream and needed to find a different direction in life."

While he was debating and considering which field he could pursue, given he was wheelchair-bound and unable to move his arms and legs, he was offered the chance, as part of his rehabilitation, to try painting with his mouth. "I never liked drawing and never tried it," he notes, "Honestly, it didn't even attract me in the beginning. But when you're in such a challenging situation and told that mouth painting could strengthen your muscles and help you, you give it a try."

And try he did. Levi discovered a fascinating experience. The more he painted, the more he felt how much he cherished and connected to the activity. Then one day, someone told him about a special organization in Israel of 'Mouth and Foot Artists,' which brings together the most talented artists in the field, all inevitably disabled, and allows them to market their paintings and even turn the hobby into a profession.

"Initially," he says, "I didn't even believe such an organization existed. I thought they were joking with me until representatives of the organization came to the hospital, explained how it operates, and that the Israeli organization is just part of a global umbrella group that comprises around 1000 mouth and foot painters worldwide. They explained that to join the organization, I had to prove my skills and train extensively. Even then, during my rehab days, I knew I was going to invest in this and turn it into my life's work."

All with the Mouth

Since that day, for the last thirty-five years, Levi has been painting non-stop. "It's not easy at all," he clarifies, "because due to the injury, breathing is very difficult for me, and while healthy people breathe with their lungs, I breathe using the diaphragm. That means when I'm painting, I actually stop breathing. In addition, because the brush is constantly in my mouth, it blocks part of the painting, and it's hard to see the perspective. From time to time, I need someone to move me back and forth in the wheelchair so I can see the correct angles of the painting. It's very complex." Nevertheless, he emphasizes that he has learned that everything we wish to achieve is based on skill, and the more you practice, the stronger the muscle becomes, allowing for greater capabilities.

"The great joy in painting is that even with all the disability, I manage to create. It places me in a totally different position – maybe I'm restricted, but there are things I can do, and creation is one of them. By the way, I use my mouth not just for painting, but also for cooking and writing, and even signing documents. For me, it's a substitute for hands." Levi joined the Mouth and Foot Artists organization only after about three years of training, and since then he has been marketing his paintings in Israel and worldwide.

"I must mention that the ability to paint has also made me believe more in myself and know that I can fulfill my dreams, and nothing will stop me," emphasizes Yochai. Among other things, he shares that this led him to fulfill his greatest dream – to marry and build a home in Israel, alongside his wife who has an exciting life story of her own. Together they raise their now six-year-old son.

"I was blessed to establish an amazing family," he says with emotion, "my wife is God-fearing, very dedicated, and helps me with everything I need, truly a woman of valor. Our son also grows up in a world of consideration and giving. He himself knows how to approach me and ask if I need something, he even helps me eat, and knows how to joke and ask me to play ball with him, even though it's clear to both of us that I can't really do that...

"My life is happy," Levi emphasizes, "and it's only due to one thing – I prefer to look at life rather than the disability. I'm not ignoring it, you can't ignore it, but I've discovered long ago that if you constantly focus on your disability, you actually live it, and living with a limitation is unpleasant. So I simply prefer to look at other things I have in life and know that my life isn't about the limitation but about what I choose to do with it."

And as mentioned, he chooses to do a lot. Among other things, he exhibits his works to large groups who come to the south especially to see them. "Classes from schools and groups of soldiers, as well as private individuals and retirees, all those interested in creation, come here. Additionally, I also go around the country giving lectures, sharing my story with all who want to hear."

According to him, people are always amazed when they see him paint using his mouth. "Every time again, I seize the opportunity to tell them – 'There's no difference between you and me. Disability doesn't start in the body but in the mind. I may be disabled and limited, but I don't consider myself disabled, while there are people whose bodies are healthy, but in their minds, they are disabled. Everything starts in our mind, and when we learn to utilize the gifts given to us by the Creator, we will all have happy lives."