Sketches of a Disabled Princess

by Melissa Regas

Dive into the fictional autobiographical fairy tale of a disABLEd artist. A chance encounter between the heroine Missy-J and a villainous challenge to her health causes her to not only lose body sensation, but she becomes brutally aware that she has lost much more than her sense of touch. Unable to cope with this reality of newfound pain, she runs into the arms of her canvas. While wrapped in its textured comfort Missy-J fell into a deep slumber of paintbrush denial. Dripping with paint she warped into her creation, transporting her into a fairytale Wonderland. It was only in her Wonderland, the surreal animated mind of the artist, that Missy-J shed her cocoon and transformed into a princess. Freed from the pressure of battling the fiery dragon that trapped her in her physical tower Princess Missy-J painted many magical adventurous masterpieces in Wonderland, interacting with an unexpected diverse array of childhood fairytale characters. Trapped behind the other side of the canvas with only one glass slipper Princess Missy-J ventured on a mission to find her Prince Charming, who would rescue her back into reality. Is Princess Missy-J so intensely trapped behind her own works of art that reality is beyond her grasp forever? Sketches of a DisABLEd Princess challenges the classic once upon a time with its poetic imagery and surreal composition. By weaving together fairytale, art and a woman unable to come to terms with a failing body, the author exposes her pure artistic soul, unaware of how lost she is in the story she is sharing.

250 pages, Paperback

First published June 18, 2012

About the author

Regas is a Fine Artist, Poet, Published Author and Advocate of Artists with Disabilities. Despite dealing with chronic pain and other physical challenges, Melissa finds peace within her paintings and poetry. She has been part of several exhibitions and a guest speaker/artist in Kentucky, New York, Michigan and California. Her book, Sketches of a DisABLEd Princess, a fanciful, poetic, fictional autobiography is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Regas’ dream (as shown in this youtube video http://youtu.be/VnveQ7wL2yo ) is to have her paintings exhibited at the Guggenheim. Her ultimate dream come true and deepest desire is to build a museum, ‘ART of the DisABLEd;’ to teach understanding of what it is like to cope with have a disability and to reveal the blossoming beauty that radiates from within.

Regas captivates her audience with her exuberance, passion, vulnerability, humor and honesty. Her art and poetry speak to the hearts of audiences of all ages because it is so pure. Each painting or poem represents her journey with God... a lesson learned, a prayer spoken, a tear wiped, true joy lived, hope reborn and a faith evolving.