Jon Sedor on living a life without limits

When John Sedor lost his dominant hand in an accident a week before high school graduation, he learned to write and draw with his other hand. And make art. And surf and rock climb — the Grand Teton. Nothing stopped the graphic designer from scaling life.

Not even brain cancer. A year ago at age 31, Jon was diagnosed with stage IV glioblastoma. He went through surgery, chemo and radiation. He balances ongoing treatment with living his life deeper, louder and bolder than ever.

The best thing he does every day is to create. Right now, he paints giant murals that inspire and challenge people to do more and to be more, and to remember that together, we are stronger than ever.

My takeaways:

  • Create art that doesn’t exclude people. Find an entry point for all people.

  • No matter what the challenge, find your “we” and remember, together we are stronger.

  • You need people who believe in you when you don’t believe in yourself.

  • Everything can change in the blink of an eye. And you can change with it. Adapt.

  • Accept what is and make the best of it. Then make it even better.

Official bio:

Jon Sedor was born in Cleveland, Ohio in May 1988. 

Ever since he got involved with skateboarding, BMX, and graffiti culture when he was 13, art became a fascination.  It was not until high school that art became a serious pursuit as a career.  A week before Jon graduated high school, in May 2007, he had a serious accident and his dominant hand (left hand) was unfortunately amputated.  He underwent two amputations and three surgeries.  Jon never gave up on his dreams – he now creates and lives as a right-handed person.

Besides graphic design and painting, Jon is a passionate climber and cyclist who is on the road and around rock as much as possible. Jon currently lives and works in the occasionally sunny city of Cleveland, OH.

Website and links:

Check out the art of Jon Sedor

Clothing items at Pebble Wrestler Collective

Regina Brett