Being deaf doesn’t stop this local artist from pursuing his passion
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IDAHO FALLS — In a world full of noise, 28-year-old Frankie Grant creates art in silence.
Raised in Idaho Falls, Frankie runs his own business called “Frankie’s Timeless Art,” where he creates custom artwork, fine art prints, laser-engraved pieces, and illustrations.
He makes “handcrafted art that speaks without sound.”
“I am a Deaf artist and illustrator. Art has always been something I love,” Frankie told EastIdahoNews.com through email.
Frankie was born with hearing. However, he became deaf when he was just three years old after a serious illness called spinal meningitis. The Mayo Clinic says that spinal meningitis is the inflammation of the protective membranes (meninges) and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
According to his website, growing up deaf taught him to see the world differently.
“I don’t hear sound, but I notice details others might miss — expressions, light, movement, and emotion,” he wrote on his website.
That helped Frankie create art. Art has been his passion since he was seven. Communication hasn’t always been easy for him. At times, he has felt misunderstood. But instead of letting it define him, Frankie turned to art.
It became his voice. He has a strong foundation in charcoal drawing and watercolor painting, and he loves creating every day.
“As I grew older, I continued developing my art and eventually turned that passion into Frankie’s Timeless Art. Creating art has been a big part of my life for many years, and I continue learning, creating, and finding new ways to grow my business,” Frankie said.
Sign language is an important part of his life and identity. He said it stands for connection, love, and expression. It often shows up in his artwork, especially the “I love you” hand sign.
The “Timeless Art” part of his business reflects his desire for his artwork to last and remain meaningful for years to come.
One of his biggest accomplishments is becoming a children’s book illustrator, which he finds exciting.
“I illustrated ‘The Unkindness Club: Purdy Franklin Mysteries #1’ and completed the illustrations and cover design for Book 2, ‘Are We Twins? – Purdy Franklin Mysteries #2.’ Book 3 is planned for the future,” he said.
The books follow a deaf young girl whose life takes an unexpected turn as she navigates friendship, identity, and mystery.
“Being able to see my artwork become part of a real published book has been an exciting accomplishment. I love bringing characters and stories to life through my illustrations,” Frankie said.
Frankie told EastIdahoNews.com that being deaf doesn’t mean giving up what you love. He says it’s important to keep going.
“Follow your passion, keep creating, and believe in your own abilities. There may be challenges along the way, but don’t let being Deaf stop you from trying,” he said.
Building his own business with Frankie’s Timeless Art hasn’t always been easy. He’s sold his artwork at different markets and events and has learned what works and what doesn’t. He keeps finding new ways to share his work.
“I hope my story shows that being Deaf does not stop someone from pursuing creativity, building a business, or making dreams happen,” Frankie added.
To learn more about Frankie’s Timeless Art, click here or follow @Frankiestimelessart on social media.
