Carlos Sosa – The painter in Caminito, Buenos Aires.

I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw him in Caminito, the Tango district, in Buenos Aires. I quickly took a photo but he saw me and in that moment I felt ashamed. Maybe it is only me but when it comes to disabled people I am always cautious not to make them feel uncomfortable. Even worse they might be thinking that you are preying especially when you have a camera hanging around your neck.

© Photographer: Nelieta | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Fact is, I was so impressed with his work and I couldn`t stop staring. Instead he called me over and still with the paintbrush in his mouth, started to talk. What caught my eye when I moved closer was a slogan painted on his canvas. In Spanish it reads:

Todo es posible y mas.

It means:

Everything is possible and more.

He asked me if I have read the words and then he added that with God everything is possible.This very talented painter paints with his mouth. His hands are disabled. A lump formed in my throat because in that moment I am not sure who was more blessed. Me with my hands being able to take photos or this man who uses his mouth to create extraordinary work.

I told him that I will write an article about his work and mentioned that he is on Facebook. Before I left he told me his name again, Carlos. If you ever find yourself in Caminito go and talk to him. He is a very kind and talented man and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to exchange a couple of words with him.

Where: El Caminito,Buenos Aires,Argentina

When: 19 December 2012