You’ve seen his work, but you may not know the backstory behind one of America’s most successful artists and innovators. James Kessinger got started in the business world in 1966 after returning home from Vietnam and earning two U.S. patents for electronics testing and measurement. Shortly after, he founded Kessinger Industries and began manufacturing electronics for the Department of Defense.

In 1976, at the age of 32, he was diagnosed with macular degeneration. The disease began affecting his vision until his retirement in 2008. However, in the meantime, he continued to build businesses and found his most success after founding Anderson Packaging, Inc. in 1985. Just a few years before, Kessinger’s company, WK Products, designed and produced retail displays for national brands such as Proctor and Gamble and the NFL.

As he reached retirement, Kessinger began to paint using his mind’s eye as his guide due to his worsening eyesight. He developed his own unique style, strata reduction, without the influence of traditional training. His work has garnered attention from art shows, international sales, and more.