When One Sister Lost The Use Of Her Hands, The Other Learned Pottery So She Could Paint

March 16, 2026

What started as a simple idea between sisters has grown into a touching story of resilience, creativity, and support.

@wheelygoodceramics

Years ago, Emily’s life changed suddenly. In 2011, she unexpectedly became paralyzed from the neck down.

“She didn’t do anything / have an accident to become paralysed — her spinal cord just shut down,” her sister Olivia explained.

Doctors never found a cure, and because of the severity of the spinal cord damage, Emily cannot use her hands.

Despite the enormous challenges, Emily eventually discovered a new way to express herself.

In 2022, she taught herself how to paint using only her mouth.

Her sister Olivia wanted to support her in a creative way. Emily didn’t enjoy painting on paper, so Olivia had an idea: she would learn pottery so her sister would have something different to paint.

Olivia began making pottery pieces, and Emily began decorating them with her artwork.

The results have been beautiful—and inspiring.

@wheelygoodceramics

Their creative partnership has also gained attention online, where videos of their process and artwork have started spreading across social media.

Their social media page is called “Wheely Good Ceramics,” which is a perfect name for their project. It’s a clever play on words—“wheely” because Emily uses a wheelchair, while also sounding like “really,” as in really good ceramics!

@wheelygoodceramics

Their story is a wonderful reminder that even when life takes an unexpected and difficult turn, something meaningful can grow from it—especially when family supports one another along the way.

What began with one sister learning pottery so the other could paint has turned into something far bigger: a creative partnership built on love, determination, and the power of turning hardship into something beautiful.

Their online shop is still in the early stages. You can visit their website here.