Meet Jeff Montag | Artist & career consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeff Montag and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeff, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
Persistence is always the key to success in reaching a goal. When failing or being derailed, try new methodology and approaches to reach the goal. Failure is not an option!

Never remain stagnant, as you never want to stop learning and use that learning to continuously evolve. Things never stay the same and neither should you.

Remain humble, that way of thinking keeps you open to your continuous learning, meeting people and networking. I believe all of us are better than one of us, and we can certainly learn from each other!

Think of ways you can always get back and do that on a regular basis!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have always loved doing artwork and creating! I started very young in high school and continued on even after my injury. What sets me apart is that I draw and paint with a hand utensil because my hands are paralyzed. I often give presentations and talks about my artwork in my journey through the disability, and my artwork is felt to be a great deal with overcoming obstacles and moving forward.

There is still a great deal stigma today revolving around disability and individuals that are afflicted with some sort abnormality. Individual still struggle with the understanding that disability is only limited by what people place upon themselves. Most disabled folks are very creative and discover ways of doing things that many of the able-bodied population struggles to come to grips with. I’m always surprised when someone meets the and I tell them that I’m an artist, and once they see my artwork; they’re overwhelmed with surprise. By that, I mean that there surprise that a disabled person is able to do that type of work and changes their opinion for that moment about how they look at you. When I was director of outpatient rehabilitation clinics throughout my healthcare career, two CEOs came to me privately before they left their position and let me know that I have changed the way they look and disability. We still have a long way to go with stigma and its relationship to integration and disability.

My artwork reflects my upbeat and positive personality. The colors in vibrancy of each piece depicts joy, fun and excitement. I very seldom stay with one subject matter and challenge myself a great deal with trying and evolving into new areas. My main medium is boiled, however I occasionally work in watercolor and acrylics.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start by giving them a tour around our city and town. We would eventually have a meal at one of my favorite restaurants that lends itself to great food and conversation. We would visit the historical sites and depending on what time a year is, we would take in local festivities. I would give them the feel of our culture as best I could and to individuals, friends and possibly family members that I’m associated with. Lastly, I would introduce them to my daily routine, what I’m involved in currently and how and where I spend my time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My life changed drastically when I was 17 years old. I was a gymnast in high school and was selected to go to district me in Chicago Illinois. While placing for that district me, I felt from the still rings and broke my neck around C 5/C6, leaving me an incomplete quadriplegic. I completed my senior year of high school which was very difficult and went on to receive my undergraduate degree in psychology. I further went on to receive my Masters degree in rehabilitation counseling. I am married and with my wife we have three children. I worked in the healthcare environment for 30 years. On the side, I’ve continued my artwork and develop my skill and craft throughout those years. I’ve given numerous presentations and talks on stigma, spinal cord injury, stages of grief and adjustment to disability.

I believe a shout out to go to my parents who helped me get my life back together. Another shot should go to my wife and family who have been continuously supportive with my journey. And lastly, to my faith.

Website: https://www.thetatteredbrush.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetatteredbrush1/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jeffmontag

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.montag.9

Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheTatteredBrush