CHUCK BAIRD: Deaf Artist Series

What’s the word for TIGER in sign language? Chuck Baird is most known for making artwork that answers that question, and many others like it. His most celebrated artwork is in a category called De’VIA–art based on the Deaf experience. And he didn’t just make art in this category, he was one of the founders of this genre of art. This book is full of his art, containing many pieces that collectors and art lovers know, and more that you will be glad to meet.
Chuck Baird became an artist when he was eight, and never changed his mind or his career. He only took further risks to serve his quest to live the artist’s life. He was the artist’s artist of the American Deaf community for over 30 years. He was so dedicated that he would give up many opportunities for money to pursue his passion for painting instead. Chuck Baird was the rare person who somehow knew innately the contribution he could make on the world– and he wasn’t content just to know it, he added action to his belief. He made time for his art. People like you and me say we should try to find time for making art. Chuck sacrificed his time and money for his art. He was an example of what it means to be an artist. He was an inspiring one. He also pursued any avenue that would help him become better at his work. He became an actor to learn another way to improve his visual storytelling. This in turn taught him how to give his artwork more visual appeal. He never stopped being a painter. Despite what other interests he had, and despite the many temptations he had to take an easier path. He had an inner strength that was compelling. He also had a twinkle in his eye—a style that kept you laughing, unless he wanted to make a point and hit your heart.
Chuck Baird's most loved work combined beautiful painted imagery with words from American Sign Language. He believed that only with a visual language is it possible to show the words from it. Not translations into written language, but the words themselves. And on that point he is right. Paint can’t speak, but it can depict, and American Sign Language is built for depiction. It is a visual language, and in Baird’s hands it was glorious and colorful. He will remain the King of De’VIA! (Art made from the Deaf experience).