Alison Lapper English artist without both hands Date of Birth: 07.04.1965 Country: Great Britain

Biography of Alison Lapper

Early Life and Childhood
Alison Lapper was born in 1965 in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, in the United Kingdom. From birth, she faced physical challenges as she was born without both arms and with deformed short legs. Her mother, who was taking medication during pregnancy to ease her morning sickness, abandoned her at birth. None of her relatives expressed a desire to care for her, so Alison was placed in a children's home where she grew up. Life in the children's home was difficult, as she faced both cruelty from other children and staff members. However, at the age of three, she demonstrated a talent for drawing.

Artistic Journey and Education
At the age of 18, Alison left the children's home and embarked on her own path. She moved to London, where she found affordable housing and began her adult life. Her talent for drawing did not go unnoticed, and she was accepted into the Faculty of Arts and Architecture at the University of Brighton. In 1994, she obtained her diploma and degree. During her years of study, Alison made numerous connections in the art world and even posed as a model for life drawing classes. She embraced her physical appearance and developed her own vision of beauty.

Artistic Success and Motherhood
By the 1990s, Alison had gained recognition as a well-known artist. During her time as a student, she got married but faced domestic violence and eventually divorced her husband. She then entered into a relationship with another man, who abandoned her when she became pregnant. Determined to keep her child, Alison was contacted by the renowned sculptor Marc Quinn, who offered her a modeling opportunity while she was pregnant. Despite initially hesitating due to her circumstances, she agreed to work with Quinn, and the result was the creation of the famous sculpture known as "Alison Lapper Pregnant."

Symbol of Strength and Beauty
The sculpture, located on Trafalgar Square in London, became a symbol of the 2012 Summer Paralympics and was named "Trafalgar Square Venus." Alison's collaboration with Quinn allowed her to regain her confidence and embrace her own strength and beauty. Today, she continues to create her own artwork and lives a fulfilling life as a single mother. Her son, Parys, born in 1999, became part of the renowned BBC television project "Child of Our Time," along with 25 other children. Alison Lapper's inspiring journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience and determination in overcoming life's challenges.