I am Chardifacts aka Chard Lowden, a blind artist and inventor of devious devices. Steam is the driving force behind my current work.
I build sculpture, devices and costumes with gourds, wood, brass, copper, glass, plastc, and whatever else is at hand.
I also host workshops on how to create Steampunk Hats, Goggles and Costumes to fit your personalty and character.

In October of 2009 I experienced the loss of most of my vision. I have no sight in my right eye, no central or nasal (toward the right) vision in my left eye. I do have enough peripheral vision in my left eye to work, although slowly. I am grateful for my art which has kept me sane and motivated.

I have been creating sculpture and jewelry since high school. In 2007 I created a gourd sculpture for Calabash, an auction of artwork to support Food For Thought Food Bank in Forestville CA. The success of that piece motivated me to continue to participate for the next 10 years, raisng money each year for the Food Bank. After my vision loss, I thought that my days as an artist were over, but my friends convinced me to give it a try. I have continued to expand my abilities to work with limited sight.

Please feel free to contact me if you want to know more about what I do or have an interest in purchasing one of my pieces. I do commissions as well.