In observing International Women’s Month, The Omega certainly appreciates the local stories of women who continue to innovate, learn and build. Lisa Coriale, a recent graduate of TRU’s master’s in human rights and social justice, is no such exception and has provided insight into her art and advocacy whilst being wheelchair-bound.
In addition to Coriale’s master’s graduation, her academic achievements include degrees in social work and journalism, a certificate in Aboriginal studies and her published children’s book Beautiful Beautiful Bird. Coriale is no stranger to the trials of academia as someone who has cerebral palsy, yet her diagnosis has never been an inhibitor of artistic endeavours.
In her most recent work, featured in Art Exposed, Coriale has shared one of her iconic pieces depicting abstract colours and lines made by the treads of her wheelchair. When asked about her creative process, Coriale explained that the method itself is deeply personal.
“It depends if I am creating it with my power wheelchair on my own, or if I have someone else push me with my manual chair,” Coriale said. “The act of painting with my power wheelchair is a form of decolonization … it gives me more freedom to concentrate on how I am feeling while I am painting.”
For Coriale, the act of creating is not only artistic but experiential. She describes painting as a physical and emotional release, where movement and colour become a form of expression beyond words.
“Creative expression is released dancing in circles on canvas with my power wheelchair,” she said. “It is an outer body experience for me that I materialized through watercolour.”
Her most recent piece involved collaboration as well as movement. Coriale explained that a friend helped guide her manual wheelchair across the canvas while paint flowed from the chair, creating a layered and dynamic piece.
“At times she stopped and danced around me, spreading the paint with her hands, feet and body,” Coriale said.
While the finished pieces may appear abstract, Coriale hopes viewers leave with a clear message.
“I hope that they feel inspired and empowered to do anything that they put their minds to,” she said. “I hope they never limit their thoughts or abilities.”
Coriale’s work also quietly challenges assumptions about disability and femininity. Strength, she explained, is often associated with physical ability, while femininity is frequently linked to softness or fragility.
“My art quietly challenges that,” Coriale said. “Creating art with my power wheelchair allows me to feel empowered and gives me freedom with no inhibitions.”
Beyond the canvas, Coriale has long been involved in advocacy within the Kamloops community. She previously served on a committee for people with disabilities for 14 years, primarily advocating through writing. Discovering visual art opened a new pathway for expression and community engagement.
“My art can also show other people with diverse abilities that they can create their own work as well,” she said.
For Coriale, creativity plays a central role in navigating identity and lived experience.
“Living with a diverse ability shapes how I move through the world, and creativity allows me to turn that experience into something meaningful and powerful,” she said. “It helps me reclaim my identity, not just as someone with a diverse ability, but as an artist, a woman and a creator.”
As audiences encounter her work, reactions vary widely, something Coriale says is part of being an artist. Some viewers are moved or surprised by the pieces, while others may not understand them at all.
“I think this is what it is like for everyone at times, regardless of physical abilities,” she said.
Ultimately, Coriale hopes her story and artwork encourage others with disabilities to pursue their own creative paths.
“I hope they feel inspired and pursue whatever they desire in their hearts,” she said. “I hope that by seeing my art they will find their own creativity and their own path, with kindness, compassion and courage, with splashes of bright and beautiful colours.”