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He’s completed paintings of Barack Obama and Cal Ripken.
He was putting the finishing touches on a painting of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis Friday.
Whenever he holds demonstrations, strangers will gawk and occasionally ask him how he became confined to a wheelchair.
Florio said he doesn’t mind the attention and is especially fond of the questions posed by children.
“They say what I do is magic,” he said.
Florio said one of his biggest fans is former Baltimore Orioles outfielder Jay Gibbons.
Florio met Gibbons during his rookie year during a chance meeting at an electronics store.
The two became quick friends. Florio presented Gibbons with a 16-by-20-inch portrait at an Orioles Park at Camden Yards ceremony.
Gibbons, in turn, gave Florio an autographed bat that said, “Robert: Thank you for showing me the true meaning of life.”
“I want to inspire people,” said Florio, who spent two years creating a documentary and serves as a motivational speaker.
Florio caught the eye of another athlete Friday.
Paul “The Punisher” Williams, a two-time WBO welterweight boxing champion, was walking through TownMall of Westminster Friday while awaiting the start of the Mark Tucker-Richard Stewart bout at the Carroll County Agricultural Center.
Williams, wearing a fur coat and a large silver chain, greeted Florio.
“That’s impressive,” said Williams, who asked Florio to do a portrait of him.
After Williams departed, Florio smiled. This meant he could get another chance to do what he enjoys most: develop a portrait in his own unique way.
Reach staff writer Brandon Oland at 410-857-7862 or brandon.oland@carrollcountytimes.com
To meet him
Quadriplegic artist Robert Florio will be holding demonstrations and selling his works at TownMall of Westminster this weekend. He will be on hand from about 1 to 7 p.m. today and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
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