Humans have a multitude of senses which provide data of perception to a complex nervous system which recreates the exact shape of the object. OK, no more scientific terms, in simple words vision is possible only with the help of sight which indirectly signals brain to analyze the outside world. Nevertheless, what will happen if a person cannot see? Simple fact is that the person will not be able to visualize the outside real world. Ready for surprise!!!!! I would like to introduce you to an extraordinary person who overrides the importance of sight and has the unique ability to paint detailed objects merely by sense of touch. Mr. Armagan was born blind is a self-made man. He has taught himself how to write, draw, and paint. Because of his uniquely miraculous talent, he is the subject of many neuroscientific studies. With no understanding of colors, he dictates beautiful vibrant and detailed colors in his paintings. He has displayed his remarkable work at various exhibitions not only in Turkey but also in Holland and the Czech Republic.

How did you get the fascination towards art and creativity? What kind of challenges did you face in your early years of painting? How much difference is in your technique from when you began painting until today?E:  I was just trying to learn about the world around me by feeling images of things mentioned to me and then tried to draw them as representatives. My challenges were trying to understand the importance of techniques such as shading, movement and perspective. I never had education, just learned by asking and then showing sighted people what I had done in order to get their reactions.. When I first starting selling my paintings, I was painting on cardboard, paper or wood and using oil paints. My techniques have vastly improved as I now use canvas, acrylics and a thick thread dipped in Elmer's glue for the outline. For the past 50 years, this has meant many changes.

How do you usually choose subjects and colors for the paintings? How exactly do you know that your painting is 100% done? Do you favor certain colors in your painting and why?E:  I choose my subjects and colors based on what I have already felt and memorized. I plan my painting down to the last color and filling of space before I start making my painting therefore I know I am done when I have finished what I had already worked out. Colors are chosen depending on the subject. Turkish does not use colors for emotions as you do in English so there is no special meaning.

How was your experience working with a researchers from Harvard and University of Toronto? Do you want to share any funny moment during the research studies? How does it feel to know that you are special in that you can visualize the real object same as any sighted person?E: Don't you think it would be special to observe their awe as they discovered what I was able to do? Actually, it is the opposite of funny - after Prof. Kennedy finished examining me, he put his head in his hands and started crying out that he knew such a person had to exist in this world. He had been working for 30 years on the subject of how the blind draw and was completely blown away by my abilities. And I am so proud that I have done my part to rewrite brain plasticity.

Tell us your experience when you been invited by Volvo to paint the new model S60 as part of a social media campaign?E: At first I wasn't sure that I would be able to handle the expectations, but over the 8 days we filmed, the people were wonderful to me. As I had a model to feel, I was able to more accurately portray the new car. The whole staff were unbelievably respectful and helpful to me.

What is your favorite creation so far and why? How do you express your emotions through your paintings?E: My favorite painting is the Trabzon fish. It has everything in it - perspective, color, humor, movement, and it is 100% my own creation - not a picture I had felt at another time. Generally, I do not include my emotions in my paintings - except for a couple of times.

In order of importance, could you prioritize the following: Wealth, Fame, Health, Family and why?E: My order: health, family, fame and wealth. My order may have been different before I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis and definitely before I had emergency open-heart quadruple bypass surgery this September. I now see that health is the most important.

What is your favorite place to visit and why?E: Italy is my favorite place to visit. I have been there 4 times, but the best time was when I went to Florence and rewrote history by drawing Filippo Brunelleschi's Bapistry in 3D perspective which had an impact on the documentary on the Discovery Channel of The Real Superhumans

What are your other hobbies?E: I enjoy music - listening to it and playing on my keyboard at home. I also enjoy cooking.

How can art play an important role for our special children?E: How can it NOT? Some of my favorite moments are when I was able to show a blind child how he/she can make his/her own drawing and painting or sculpture and accomplish something unexpected and enjoyable.

Any special message for our community?E: The most important message I can send to you is to tell you that if you put your mind to something, you can accomplish so much and while it can bring others pleasure, it definitely will bring you tons of pleasure and satisfaction. The important things is to try.